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
$72,060
$6,005/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$97,100
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Forensic Science Technicians (SOC 19-4092) at a national median of $72,060 per year (mean $79,200), or $34.65 per hour, with 19,120 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
19K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$34.65/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,005
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
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Forensic Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Forensic Scientist field.
Entry-level Forensic Scientists earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $106,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Forensic Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$12,940 |
| New York | $83,000 | +$10,940 |
| Virginia | $76,000 | +$3,940 |
| Texas | $71,000 | $-1,060 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,060 |
Top Paying Cities for Forensic Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $85,000 | +$12,940 |
| Los Angeles | $81,000 | +$8,940 |
| Quantico | $79,000 | +$6,940 |
| Miami | $74,000 | +$1,940 |
| Houston | $71,000 | $-1,060 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Forensic Scientist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Forensic Scientist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Forensic Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Forensic Scientist from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$97,100
8-14 years
$115,900
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 $72,060 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Forensic Science Technicians (SOC 19-4092); the mean is $79,200. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $48,000, senior professionals around $97,100, and top earners at $115,900 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 19K 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 $76,000. 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 $48,000 to $97,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Forensic Scientist Salary
How we calculate Forensic Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Forensic Science Technicians (SOC 19-4092), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $72,060, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Forensic Science Technicians; BLS mean $79,200; BLS hourly median $34.65.
- Entry-level ($48,000) and senior-level ($97,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 19,120 Forensic Science Technicians jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $72,060; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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