Forensic Science Technician Salary by State for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is the typical salary for a forensic science technician?

Forensic science technicians demonstrate specialized expertise and carry the responsibility of working within the justice system, and their salaries reflect this. The US BLS reports that in 2024, they earned a median annual salary of $67,440, or $32.42 per hour. This figure marks the midpoint of earnings, with pay levels shifting based on years of experience, geographic location, and employer type.

These salaries underscore the value society places on roles that demand precision, analytical thinking, and strong ethical standards. Forensic science technicians handle evidence that directly influences trial outcomes, which heightens both the weight and importance of their work. Their pay reflects not only technical skill but also the trust society invests in their ability to uphold accuracy and integrity in the legal process.

In terms of broader comparisons, professionals in related fields sometimes explore criminology jobs salary data to evaluate how forensic roles align with other justice-focused career paths.

How does the average forensic science technician salary vary by state?

Forensic science technician salaries vary widely across the US because demand, cost of living, and employer type directly influence pay. State and local governments employ the largest share of technicians and set the baseline for compensation trends. 

Technicians who relocate to different regions often unlock new opportunities for career growth, especially when manageable living costs accompany higher salaries. Below are examples of how pay levels vary by location as per ZipRecruiter (2025):

• California: With a median annual salary of $78,368, urban centers and research hubs drive compensation upward, reflecting both the cost of living and demand.
• Alaska: Offering a median salary of $85,518, remote regions create steady demand and pay premiums for specialists in less accessible areas.
• Texas: At a median salary of $73,980, the state’s growing population and expanding justice system support strong opportunities with balanced affordability.
• Florida: Forensic science technicians in the state earn around $59,341, with higher pay in large metro areas, although notable differences are observed in urban and rural regions.
• New York: With median earnings of $86,875, dense populations and high-profile cases elevate salaries despite the nation’s steepest living costs.
• Illinois: Technicians earn about $76,948 annually, with Chicago’s courts, labs, and research facilities significantly boosting earning potential.
• Colorado: Offering a median salary of $83,498, expanding justice system needs and moderate living costs create competitive, well-balanced compensation.

Across these states, location strongly impacts salary and careers in forensic science. Both economic conditions and lifestyle factors determine overall value, making relocation a powerful strategy for forensic science technicians who want to maximize career advancement.

Which cities offer the highest pay for forensic science technicians?

Forensic science technician salaries vary widely across the US, but certain cities consistently outperform the rest in terms of pay. Factors such as demand, cost of living, access to forensic science specialties, and the presence of courts and labs shape compensation, making location one of the most influential drivers of career advancement.

• California stands out for hosting several of the nation’s top-paying cities. Napa, CA, leads with an annual median salary of $68,165, where a higher cost of living pushes wages upward to match expenses.
• Similarly, Berkeley, CA, offers a median salary of $64,157, supported by its proximity to leading research institutions and an active legal system.
• Beyond California, Nome, AK, also ranks among the highest-paying locations, with a median salary of $64,998.

Together, these cities demonstrate how local conditions, from urban research hubs to remote communities, directly shape salary outcomes for forensic science technicians.

This chart from ZipRecruiter shows the ten cities in the US that report average salaries for forensic science technicians exceeding the national standard.

What can entry-level forensic science technicians expect to earn?

Forensic science technicians just beginning their careers usually start with modest salaries. However, these early roles provide critical training and career momentum. 

Entry-level forensic science technicians usually begin their careers in local crime labs, police departments, or law enforcement agencies, working under close supervision while building technical expertise. On average, they earn $52,397 annually, which equals about $25.19 per hour, $1,007 per week, or $4,366 per month.

Even at the entry level, forensic science technicians benefit from strong earning potential, with several cities offering pay well above the national average ($50,000).

Napa, CA leads with wages about 30.1% higher, while Nome, AK maintains competitive pay driven by high demand and geographic isolation. Berkeley, CA, follows closely, paying roughly 22.4% above the national entry-level average thanks to its proximity to research hubs and urban demand.

Students aiming for these roles sometimes start with technical programs, like a medical assistant certificate online, before advancing into forensic training to gain healthcare-related lab and clinical experience that employers value.

How does experience affect forensic science technician salaries across states?

Experience shapes salary growth for forensic science technicians and complements the value of earning a forensic science degree. Early in their careers, technicians often handle routine evidence processing under close supervision, earning about $47,000 in their first year (Payscale, 2025). 

As they gain confidence and technical skills, compensation rises modestly, with professionals in the one to four year range averaging $48,000 annually (Payscale, 2025).

By mid-career, technicians often take on more complex responsibilities. This includes managing casework or operating sophisticated lab equipment and see earnings rise to about $51,000 annually for those with five to nine years of experience (Payscale, 2025). 

Interestingly, salaries for highly experienced technicians in the 10 to 19 year range average around $49,000, reflecting how progression often depends less on tenure alone and more on specialization or advancement into leadership roles (Payscale, 2025).

Specializing in fields like DNA analysis, digital forensics, or toxicology can push salaries higher, as these areas require advanced training and offer greater value to employers.

Others boost their pay by moving into supervisory or lab management positions, where overseeing teams and coordinating investigations brings additional compensation alongside expanded responsibilities.

Which metro areas offer the best pay for forensic science technicians?

When it comes to salaries, some metropolitan areas lead the way by offering forensic science technicians both high pay and access to advanced resources. In the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro area, technicians earn the nation’s top annual mean wage of $125,490, fueled by Silicon Valley’s strong investment in technology, innovation, and forensic science. 

Professionals with an online forensics degree often find these regions particularly rewarding, as their skills align with the high-tech labs and specialized forensic teams concentrated there.

Close behind is the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA metro area, where technicians average $119,720 annually. This region’s large urban crime labs, wide range of investigative needs, and proximity to leading universities and research centers create strong demand for skilled forensic professionals, making it one of the best-paying hubs in the field.

These metro hubs not only provide top-tier salaries but also open doors to specialized teams, modern equipment, and opportunities for career advancement. Forensic science technicians working in these regions often find themselves at the forefront of the field, handling complex cases and contributing to innovations that shape the profession nationwide.

This chart from the US BLS details the metropolitan areas with the highest median salary for forensic science technicians.

How do education and certifications impact forensic science technician salaries?

Education and certifications affect the salaries and career progression of forensic science technicians. While some entry-level positions may accept limited formal schooling paired with hands-on training, most employers prefer or require post-secondary education. 

The stronger the educational foundation and professional credentials, the greater the salary potential and career mobility. The examples below show how education and certifications influence a forensic science technician’s salary:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: O*NET OnLine (n.d.) shares that 29% of forensic science technicians reported this as their highest level of education. They usually start in evidence collection or clerical support roles. Salaries at this level are typically lower, and advancement opportunities are limited compared to those with higher education.
• Post-Secondary Certificate: 36% of forensic science technicians reported earning a certificate as their highest level of education. Certificate holders often qualify for specialized forensic roles, such as toxicology or digital forensics, which typically offer higher pay than general entry-level positions.
• Specialized Certifications (DNA, Ballistics, or Fingerprinting): Credentials such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics or the International Association for Identification can significantly increase salaries. Certified experts are often called for testimony in court cases, and their specialized expertise commands higher pay rates due to the credibility and precision they bring.

• Advanced Degrees: Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology can lead to senior roles such as research scientist, laboratory analyst, or lab director. These advanced positions demand specialized expertise and carry higher salaries, with forensic science directors earning about $84,471 annually (ZipRecruiter, 2025).
• Professional Certifications: Credentials like the Certified Crime Scene Investigator enhance credibility and are often required for supervisory or lead investigator positions. Certified professionals earn around $62,699 per year, reflecting both their specialized knowledge and leadership responsibilities (Indeed, 2025).

Some professionals supplement their education with programs like certification programs in psychology for undergraduate students, since understanding behavioral patterns and psychological evidence can strengthen a forensic science career and lead to specialized, higher-paying roles.

Which states have the lowest forensic science technician salaries?

Forensic science technicians earn widely varying salaries across the United States, and several states consistently fall below the national average. These pay gaps arise because state governments allocate different levels of funding to forensic services, and local demand for specialized expertise often depends on whether advanced laboratories operate in the area. 

States with smaller populations or limited forensic infrastructure typically offer lower wages since technicians there work in smaller facilities and take on broader generalist duties rather than highly specialized roles.

Although these states pay less, they still provide valuable entry points into the profession, particularly for early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.

According to ZipRecruiter (2025), the lowest-paying states for forensic science technicians include:

• Florida: $39,156 annually
• West Virginia: $40,564 annually
• Arkansas: $43,327 annually
• Georgia: $44,243 annually
• Louisiana: $44,806 annually
• Kentucky: $45,508 annually
• Michigan: $45,669 annually

Those planning careers in these regions may want to explore broader opportunities such as alternative careers for social workers with masters, since both forensic science and social work intersect in areas like criminal justice, victim advocacy, and rehabilitation, often with differing pay scales.

What career paths lead to higher salaries for forensic science technicians?

Forensic science technicians can pursue several career paths that lead to higher salaries, with advancement often tied to specialization, leadership, and continuous professional development. Technicians who build expertise in highly technical areas tend to command stronger compensation because their skills are rare and critical to complex investigations.

• DNA Analysis: A highly rewarding career track, with experts in strong demand across public and private labs. DNA Analysts frequently handle high-profile cases and earn salaries up to $85,248.
• Supervisory or Lab Management Roles: Lab supervisors oversee operations and staff, earning about $75,487 per year (Indeed, 2025), with leadership responsibilities driving higher pay.
• Ballistics Analysis: Forensic ballistics experts, valued for their expertise with firearms and ammunition in violent crime cases, make around $87,877 annually (ZipRecruiter, 2025).
• Transition to Private Labs: Technicians in private forensic laboratories earn about $61,011 per year (ZipRecruiter, 2025), with the benefit of greater salary flexibility compared to public agencies.
• Fingerprint Examination: Fingerprint examiners working in state and federal labs earn approximately $61,362 annually (ZipRecruiter, 2025), with higher salaries tied to complex casework.

What are the salary trends and job growth prospects for forensic science technicians?

The career outlook for forensic science technicians is highly promising, offering both stability and room for advancement. Employment in the field is projected to grow by 13% between 2024 and 2034.

This rapid expansion reflects the increasing reliance on forensic evidence in criminal investigations and civil cases. For students asking, is forensic science hard, the rapid expansion highlights the need for strong analytical and technical skills, showing that mastering the discipline can lead to rewarding career paths.

In addition to growth, steady job openings create consistent entry points for new professionals. Each year, approximately 2,900 positions are expected to open, primarily due to retirements or career changes among experienced technicians. This natural turnover ensures that graduates and early-career professionals continue to find opportunities to establish themselves in the field.

Alongside expanding demand, salary trends further enhance the profession’s appeal. Median pay for forensic science technicians outpaces both the nationwide average and the broader scientific field.

Moreover, the salary spectrum is wide and steadily rising, ranging from entry-level roles to highly specialized positions such as DNA analysts and ballistics experts. This progression highlights not only the financial rewards but also the long-term growth potential within the profession.

Other Things You Should Know About Forensic Science Technician Salaries

Can online forensic programs impact future earning potential?

Online forensic programs equip students with critical knowledge, certifications, and practical skills that improve employability. Graduates from accredited programs are often better positioned for specialized roles. Flexible online formats also allow professionals to upskill while working, enhancing long-term career opportunities.

Does practical lab experience weigh more than formal education in salary negotiations?

Hands-on laboratory experience is highly valued because it demonstrates real-world proficiency in evidence collection, testing, and analysis. While formal education is essential, candidates with significant lab experience are often considered stronger applicants for higher-level positions.

Do criminalists earn more than general forensic technicians?

Specialized criminalists, such as DNA analysts ($93,336) and ballistics experts ($87,877), generally have greater earning potential than general forensic technicians ($67,440). Specialization, combined with ongoing training and certifications, directly enhances career growth opportunities.

How do the salaries of forensic technicians compare to medical laboratory technicians?

Forensic science technicians typically earn comparable or slightly higher compensation than medical laboratory technicians ($61,890). Their roles often involve courtroom testimony and specialized analysis, which adds professional value beyond standard lab work.