The average salary for a forensic science technician in the United States is $71,540, but the range typically falls between $50,480 and $84,720. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $34.4, with a range between $24.27 and $40.73.
There are approximately 17,520 people employed as a forensic science technician in the United States. With California, Texas, Florida employing the highest number of forensic science technicians.The state with the best pay for a forensic science technician is Illinois, with an average annual salary of $95,750, while Arkansas has the lowest average annual salary of $46,960.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $41,410 | $19.91 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,480 | $24.27 |
| Median | $64,940 | $31.22 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,720 | $40.73 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,490 | $51.68 |
The salary of a forensic science technician can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a forensic science technician in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for forensic science technicians are Illinois, California, Connecticut, Colorado, New York while the worst states are Arkansas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Mississippi.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,880 | $57,570 | $75,770 |
| Alaska | $54,000 | $75,500 | $101,700 |
| Arizona | $42,640 | $69,660 | $109,850 |
| Arkansas | $34,900 | $46,960 | $54,720 |
| California | $60,000 | $98,400 | $138,690 |
| Colorado | $58,470 | $79,210 | $105,920 |
| Connecticut | $40,120 | $82,620 | $105,440 |
| Florida | $34,530 | $61,570 | $88,600 |
| Georgia | $37,320 | $59,420 | $81,600 |
| Hawaii | $53,960 | $69,340 | $84,760 |
| Idaho | $37,440 | $60,180 | $87,260 |
| Illinois | $54,070 | $95,750 | $136,780 |
| Indiana | $39,850 | $61,970 | $84,510 |
| Iowa | $33,900 | $64,710 | $94,390 |
| Kansas | $47,760 | $69,920 | $97,190 |
| Kentucky | $41,790 | $54,030 | $67,140 |
| Maine | $43,120 | $61,130 | $74,320 |
| Maryland | $49,350 | $79,460 | $112,420 |
| Massachusetts | $55,220 | $82,520 | $128,780 |
| Michigan | $26,950 | $61,730 | $100,880 |
| Minnesota | $46,510 | $77,030 | $101,940 |
| Mississippi | $32,860 | $53,390 | $74,190 |
| Missouri | $45,990 | $63,640 | $82,300 |
| Montana | $37,500 | $65,500 | $80,890 |
| Nebraska | $41,310 | $61,150 | $78,000 |
| Nevada | $47,010 | $77,180 | $110,640 |
| New Hampshire | $54,160 | $73,210 | $90,360 |
| New Jersey | $42,520 | $58,450 | $73,340 |
| New Mexico | $40,040 | $59,040 | $80,640 |
| New York | $51,330 | $82,610 | $111,090 |
| North Carolina | $40,580 | $54,510 | $75,560 |
| Ohio | $49,350 | $74,670 | $104,000 |
| Oklahoma | $29,490 | $55,570 | $89,600 |
| Oregon | $52,160 | $75,470 | $104,830 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,830 | $58,780 | $87,100 |
| South Carolina | $35,970 | $49,580 | $61,700 |
| Tennessee | $42,090 | $64,150 | $88,810 |
| Texas | $40,850 | $59,830 | $84,690 |
| Utah | $43,660 | $60,640 | $79,500 |
| Virginia | $42,920 | $72,460 | $104,920 |
| Washington | $50,250 | $75,840 | $102,840 |
| West Virginia | $36,880 | $57,310 | $80,020 |
| Wisconsin | $43,300 | $63,700 | $93,390 |
| Wyoming | $44,720 | $62,030 | $84,020 |
Even between cities, the salary of a forensic science technician can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for forensic science technicians is New Orleans-Metairie area, LA with an average salary of $165,410.The city with the lowest average salary for forensic science technicians is North Texas Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area, TX with an average salary of $44,560.
Areas with highest average salaries for forensic science technicians
Areas with lowest average salaries for forensic science technicians
The number of forensic science technicians in the United States has been increasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of forensic science technicians has increased by 880. On average, the number of forensic science technicians has been increasing by 1.3% each year. The salary of forensic science technicians has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of forensic science technicians has increased by $6,650. On average, the salary of forensic science technicians has been increasing by 2.6% each year.
Forensic Science Technicians are part of the life, physical, and social science occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for forensic science technicians compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all life, physical, and social science occupations jobs here.
$70,680 per year
$86,710 per year
$119,050 per year
$73,160 per year
$112,440 per year
$132,650 per year
