SOC 19-4092 · May 2025 · United States
Forensic Science Technicians
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Forensic Science Technicians across the United States is $72,060 per year, measured over 19,120 jobs. The highest state median is in Illinois, at $124,790.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Forensic Science Technicians
Pay for this occupation varies by 179.4% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Illinois pays $124,790 and Arkansas pays $44,670.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $124,790 | 370 | |
| 2 | California | $102,100 | 2,800 | |
| 3 | Connecticut | $85,910 | 120 | |
| 4 | Colorado | $84,010 | 510 | |
| 5 | Montana | $82,200 | 60 | |
| 6 | Maryland | $82,140 | 460 | |
| 7 | New York | $81,670 | 1,140 | |
| 8 | Washington | $81,310 | 390 | |
| 9 | Nevada | $81,090 | 360 | |
| 10 | Oregon | $80,950 | 110 |
States with the most Forensic Science Technicians jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 2,800 | $102,100 | |
| 2 | Florida | 1,920 | $64,140 | |
| 3 | Texas | 1,900 | $59,870 | |
| 4 | New York | 1,140 | $81,670 | |
| 5 | Arizona | 900 | $63,250 | |
| 6 | Virginia | 770 | $68,900 | |
| 7 | Georgia | 550 | $63,600 | |
| 8 | North Carolina | 520 | $59,240 | |
| 9 | Colorado | 510 | $84,010 | |
| 10 | Maryland | 460 | $82,140 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose | $137,280 | 140 |
| 2 | Chicago | $112,790 | 260 |
| 3 | San Francisco | $109,930 | 330 |
| 4 | Akron | $106,330 | 80 |
| 5 | San Diego | $105,320 | 220 |
| 6 | Los Angeles | $104,410 | 1,170 |
| 7 | Oxnard | $102,810 | 80 |
| 8 | Sacramento | $101,780 | 160 |
| 9 | New Haven | $98,250 | 70 |
| 10 | Seattle | $95,460 | 230 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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