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
Related Science Jobs
Forensic Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Forensic Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Forensic Scientist in the United States is $69,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $46,000, while senior professionals earn up to $93,000. Top earners in the field can make $111,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Forensic Scientist?
A Forensic Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include DNA Analysis, Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation. Relevant certifications such as AAFS Certification or ABC Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Forensic Scientists?
The job market for Forensic Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 17K Forensic Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Forensic Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Forensic Scientists include Virginia, Texas, California. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $73,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Forensic Scientist salary?
To increase your Forensic Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like DNA Analysis and Toxicology. Pursue certifications such as AAFS Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Quantico. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $46,000 to $93,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Forensic Scientist Salary
How we calculate Forensic Scientist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $69,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Forensic Scientist in the Science sector.
- Entry-level ($46,000) and senior-level ($93,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 17K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Science sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $69,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Forensic Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Forensic Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Forensic Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (DNA Analysis, Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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