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Forensic scientist: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $48,250lowest 10% earn less
- $57,83025th percentile
- $72,060median
- $94,52075th percentile
- $117,250top 10% earn more
Forensic science technicians, the official BLS category for forensic scientists, earned a median of $72,060 a year in May 2025[1]. The job typically needs a bachelor's degree, and employment is projected to grow 13.3% from 2025 to 2035[2][3].
How much do forensic scientists make?
The median pay for Forensic Science Technicians was $72,060 a year, or $34.65 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The mean wage was $79,200 a year, or $38.08 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[5].
Pay varies a lot. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $48,250, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $57,830[4]. The 75th percentile was $94,520 and the 90th percentile was $117,250[4]. By the hour, the 10th percentile was $23.20 and the 90th was $56.37[8]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].
| Measure | Annual wage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile[4] | $48,250 | |
| 25th percentile[4] | $57,830 | |
| Median[1] | $72,060 | |
| Mean[7] | $79,200 | |
| 75th percentile[4] | $94,520 | |
| 90th percentile[4] | $117,250 |
These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10].
Pay by state and city
Among the 41 states with published data, Illinois had the highest median pay at $124,790, based on 370 jobs[11]. California came next at $102,100, with 2,800 jobs[11]. Connecticut was third at $85,910[11]. Arkansas was lowest at $44,670[11].
California had the most jobs at 2,800, followed by Florida (1,920), Texas (1,900), New York (1,140) and Arizona (900)[12].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $137,280[13]. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN followed at $112,790, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $109,930[13]. The metro area with the most jobs was Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, with 1,170 jobs and a median of $104,410[14]. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ had 800 jobs and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV had 660[14].
Show median pay in 41 states
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois[11] | $124,790 | 370 |
| California | $102,100 | 2,800 |
| Connecticut | $85,910 | 120 |
| Colorado | $84,010 | 510 |
| Montana | $82,200 | 60 |
| Maryland | $82,140 | 460 |
| New York | $81,670 | 1,140 |
| Washington | $81,310 | 390 |
| Nevada | $81,090 | 360 |
| Oregon | $80,950 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $79,320 | 290 |
| Minnesota | $76,960 | 140 |
| Vermont | $74,110 | 30 |
| Wisconsin | $72,280 | 310 |
| Idaho | $71,160 | 160 |
| North Dakota | $71,090 | 40 |
| Maine | $70,870 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $70,500 | 300 |
| Virginia | $68,900 | 770 |
| Iowa | $67,060 | 130 |
| Utah | $66,780 | 220 |
| Indiana | $66,520 | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $65,940 | 110 |
| Nebraska | $65,920 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $65,570 | 200 |
| Florida | $64,140 | 1,920 |
| Georgia | $63,600 | 550 |
| West Virginia | $63,330 | 110 |
| Arizona | $63,250 | 900 |
| New Jersey | $63,220 | 60 |
| Missouri | $62,750 | 350 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,580 | 360 |
| Kentucky | $61,470 | 60 |
| Texas | $59,870 | 1,900 |
| Alabama | $59,560 | 160 |
| North Carolina | $59,240 | 520 |
| Mississippi | $52,850 | 140 |
| Wyoming | $52,100 | 90 |
| South Carolina | $51,830 | 160 |
| South Dakota | $51,690 | 30 |
| Arkansas | $44,670 | 100 |
How to become a forensic scientist
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education for entry, with no work experience in a related occupation and moderate-term on-the-job training[2]. An associate's degree may be enough for some positions[15].
- First, get a degree. Degrees in physical science, biology or forensic science are among the options[15]. Some programs focus on one area, such as toxicology, pathology or DNA[15].
- Next, complete on-the-job training. New technicians train before they work cases on their own[16]. New crime scene technicians may work under experienced staff[17]. Lab specialties are learned on the job, and that training is usually less than a year[18].
- Then, check proficiency requirements. To do independent casework, technicians may have to pass a state proficiency exam or get approval from a laboratory or accrediting body[19].
Licenses and certifications are available. They typically are not required to enter the job, but they can show a specific skill[20]. Some crime scene investigators employed by police departments are sworn officers who met the entry rules for a police academy[21].
O*NET places the job in Job Zone Three, which it describes as medium preparation needed[22].
BLS also names the skills that matter: analytical skills, communication skills, attention to detail and math skills, including statistics[23][24][25][26].
What forensic scientists do
O*NET describes the work as collecting, identifying, classifying and analyzing physical evidence from criminal investigations[27]. Common tasks include:
- Collecting evidence at crime scenes and storing it so it stays intact[28].
- Keeping records and writing reports on findings and methods[28].
- Photographing or filming evidence and crime scenes[28].
- Measuring and sketching crime scenes[28].
- Examining latent fingerprints and comparing them with known prints in databases[28].
- Testifying in court about methods or findings[28].
- Running and maintaining laboratory equipment[28].
- Training new technicians[28].
Workers report many job titles, including crime scene technician, criminalist, crime lab analyst and evidence technician[29].
Where they work
Local government, excluding education and hospitals, was the largest employer at 64% in 2025[30]. Some technicians spend time in an office. Some work outside in all kinds of weather, and others spend long hours in laboratories[31]. Crime scene technicians may travel around their jurisdictions[32].
Most forensic science technicians work full time[33]. Crime scene technicians may be scheduled for day, evening or night shifts and may need to work overtime[33]. Lab technicians may keep a standard workweek, but might be on call outside normal hours[33].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of Forensic Science Technicians to grow 13.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 20,100 to 22,800 jobs, a gain of 2,700[3]. Across all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[34]. The projection counts self-employed workers, who were 0.9% of the occupation in 2025[3][35].
About 2,800 openings are projected each year, on average[6]. Some openings come from workers who retire or switch to another occupation, and others come from new jobs[6]. Each year, 2.3% of workers leave the labor force and 9.5% move to a different occupation[36].
The OEWS count of 19,120 jobs in May 2025 is a different measure from the projection count, so the two numbers differ[37][3]. This is a small occupation, so a few jobs can matter in some states[11].
Is it a good fit?
The facts point to a job with pay above the all-occupation median and faster projected growth than the average[1][5][3][34]. It typically asks for a bachelor's degree, followed by on-the-job training that is usually under a year for lab specialties[2][18]. The work includes writing reports and testifying in court, so communication matters[28][24]. Schedules can include shifts, overtime or on-call time, depending on the role[33]. Pay differs widely by state, so the local figures matter[11].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a forensic scientist make an hour?
- The median was $34.65 an hour in May 2025, and the mean was $38.08[1][7]. The 10th percentile was $23.20 and the 90th was $56.37[8].
- What degree do you need to be a forensic scientist?
- BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[2]. An associate's degree may be enough for some positions[15].
- How long does it take to become a forensic scientist?
- The facts give no degree length. Training on the job for lab specialties is usually less than a year[18].
- Is forensic science in demand?
- BLS projects 13.3% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, and about 2,800 openings a year[3][34][6].
- What is the highest paying state for forensic scientists?
- Illinois had the highest median at $124,790, followed by California at $102,100[11].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Forensic Science Technicians in the US was $72,060 per year and $34.65 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Forensic Science Technicians: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Forensic Science Technicians is projected to grow 13.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 20,100 to 22,800 jobs (a change of +2,700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Forensic Science Technicians: 10th percentile $48,250, 25th percentile $57,830, 75th percentile $94,520, 90th percentile $117,250. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 2,800 openings for Forensic Science Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Forensic Science Technicians was $79,200 per year and $38.08 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Forensic Science Technicians: 10th percentile $23.20, 25th percentile $27.81, 75th percentile $45.44, 90th percentile $56.37. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Forensic Science Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Forensic Science Technicians jobs: California 2,800; Florida 1,920; Texas 1,900; New York 1,140; Arizona 900. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Forensic Science Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $137,280; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $112,790; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $109,930; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $105,320; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $104,410; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $101,780; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $95,460; Lansing-East Lansing, MI $88,670. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Forensic Science Technicians jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 1,170 (median $104,410); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 800 (median $81,670); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 660 (median $85,070); Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 620 (median $65,220); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 590 (median $57,180); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 490 (median $77,820). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 19-4092.00: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Forensic Science Technicians. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Forensic Science Technicians. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET 19-4092.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech), Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist. O*NET OnLine
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of forensic science technicians in 2025: Local government, excluding education and hospitals 64%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: 0.9% of Forensic Science Technicians were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Forensic Science Technicians: 2.3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 9.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 19,120 people were employed as Forensic Science Technicians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.