Forensic Scientist Salary in 2026
Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes using scientific techniques. They perform DNA analysis, toxicology tests, and fingerprint examination to support criminal investigations.
Median Salary
$69,000
$5,750/mo
Entry Level
$46,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$93,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Forensic Scientist Overview
Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes using scientific techniques. They perform DNA analysis, toxicology tests, and fingerprint examination to support criminal investigations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
17K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$33.17/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,750
Forensic Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Forensic Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Forensic Scientist Salary
$77,000
$6,417/month · $2,962/biweekly · $37.02/hr
Forensic Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Forensic Scientist field.
Entry-level Forensic Scientists earn around $46,000, while the top 10% earn $102,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Forensic Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $81,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $79,000 | +$10,000 |
| Virginia | $73,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Forensic Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $81,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $77,000 | +$8,000 |
| Quantico | $76,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $70,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Forensic Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Forensic Scientist from entry level to expert.
$46,000
0-2 years
$70,000
3-7 years
$93,000
8-14 years
$111,000
15+ years
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Forensic Scientist Salary FAQ
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