SOC 194092

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

National Median

$67,440

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$67,440

Entry Level (10th pct)

$45,560

Experienced (90th pct)

$110,710

Total Employed

19,450

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$45,560 - $53,310
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$53,310 - $88,710
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$88,710 - $110,710

Highest Paying Locations for Forensic Science Technicians

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

$131,390

+94.8% vs national

Illinois

$117,590

+74.4% vs national

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

$103,930

+54.1% vs national

Akron, OH

$102,230

+51.6% vs national

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

$100,800

+49.5% vs national

Forensic Science Technicians Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$131,390	150
Illinois	$117,590	380
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$103,930	410
Akron, OH	$102,230	80
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	$100,800	230
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$99,670	270
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$98,110	1,210
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA	$97,040	90
California	$96,850	3,100
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$96,770	150
Toledo, OH	$93,560	40
New Haven, CT	$93,290	70
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA	$91,340	40
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	$86,150	70
Connecticut	$84,920	120
Columbus, OH	$83,790	170
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$82,600	200
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY	$82,140	180
Modesto, CA	$81,860	40
Colorado Springs, CO	$80,400	30
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$80,300	640
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA	$79,910	290
Fresno, CA	$79,700	80
Montana	$78,610	60
Missoula, MT	$78,610	40
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY	$78,520	40
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN	$78,460	160
Stockton-Lodi, CA	$78,410	60
Maryland	$78,220	410
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$78,170	790
New York	$78,170	1,120
Oregon	$78,100	110
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$77,990	280
Colorado	$77,800	430
Washington	$77,650	340
Kansas City, MO-KS	$77,280	130
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$77,200	260
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV	$76,540	290
Nevada	$76,540	330
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI	$76,450	70
Bakersfield-Delano, CA	$75,480	70
Massachusetts	$75,210	270
Kansas	$75,150	200
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$74,910	240
Jackson, TN	$74,730	40
North Dakota	$74,470	30
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	$74,190	500
Knoxville, TN	$74,020	70
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO	$73,650	40
Ohio	$73,310	470

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Forensic Science Technicians?

The national median annual salary for Forensic Science Technicians is $67,440, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Forensic Science Technicianss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Forensic Science Technicianss is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with a median salary of $131,390.

How much can an experienced Forensic Science Technicians make?

Top-earning Forensic Science Technicianss (90th percentile) make $110,710 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.