Forensic Science Technician Salary in 2026
How Much Do Forensic Science Technicians Make?
Forensic Science Technicians earn a median annual salary of $67,440 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,560 at the 10th percentile to $110,710 at the 90th percentile — a range of $65,150. The highest-paying state is Illinois at $117,590.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,560 |
| 25th percentile | $53,310 |
| Median (50th) | $67,440 |
| 75th percentile | $88,710 |
| 90th percentile | $110,710 |
Forensic Science Technician Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinoistop | $117,590 |
| California | $96,850 |
| Connecticut | $84,920 |
| Montana | $78,610 |
| Maryland | $78,220 |
| New York | $78,170 |
| Oregon | $78,100 |
| Colorado | $77,800 |
| Washington | $77,650 |
| Nevada | $76,540 |
| Massachusetts | $75,210 |
| Kansas | $75,150 |
| North Dakota | $74,470 |
| Ohio | $73,310 |
| Tennessee | $70,500 |
| Michigan | $69,040 |
| Minnesota | $68,790 |
| Maine | $68,710 |
| Vermont | $67,750 |
| Indiana | $65,770 |
| Oklahoma | $64,990 |
| Missouri | $64,700 |
| Utah | $64,430 |
| Iowa | $63,650 |
| Nebraska | $63,390 |
| Virginia | $62,860 |
| Wisconsin | $61,920 |
| New Mexico | $61,890 |
| Florida | $61,070 |
| Wyoming | $60,670 |
| Arizona | $60,620 |
| Idaho | $60,470 |
| West Virginia | $59,930 |
| Alabama | $59,560 |
| Georgia | $58,500 |
| Kentucky | $58,230 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,820 |
| Texas | $55,830 |
| Mississippi | $54,720 |
| New Jersey | $54,230 |
| North Carolina | $50,460 |
| South Carolina | $49,960 |
| South Dakota | $49,280 |
| Arkansas | $46,210 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic Science Technician Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,560 – $53,310 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$67,440 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$88,710 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $110,710+ |
How to Earn More as a Forensic Science Technician
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Forensic Science Technicians in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $131,390 — $63,950 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($88,710) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Forensic Science Technician Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technicianthis career | $67,440 |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | $78,420 |
| Coroner | $78,420 |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analyst | $80,190 |
| Microbiologist | $87,330 |
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SOC: 19-4092.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.