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Forensic Scientist Salary in Houston, TX

Forensic Scientist salary data for Houston, TX — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Forensic Scientist Salary in Houston, TX — 2026

The median Forensic Scientist salary in Houston, TX is $66,240 per year ($5,520/month, $32/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 96, which is 4% below the national average.

Entry Level
$44K
$21/hr
Median
$66K
$32/hr
Senior
$89K
$43/hr
Top Earner
$107K
$51/hr

Forensic Scientist Take-Home Pay in Houston

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$66,240
Federal Tax-$6,187
State Tax (0.0%)-$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$5,067
Annual Take-Home$54,986
Monthly Take-Home$4,582

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.5%
Median Home Price$280,000
Cost of Living Index96
City Median Salary$65,000
Forensic Scientist vs City Median+$1,240

Forensic Scientist Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Job Growth
6.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

DNA AnalysisToxicologyCrime Scene InvestigationChain of CustodyLab Techniques

Houston Job Market Overview

Houston, Texas has a population of 2,304,580 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 28 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Forensic Scientist salary in Houston, TX?
The median Forensic Scientist salary in Houston, TX is $66,240 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. Entry-level Forensic Scientists earn around $44,160, while senior-level professionals can earn $89,280 or more.
How much does a Forensic Scientist take home in Houston after taxes?
A Forensic Scientist earning the median salary of $66,240 in Houston, TX takes home approximately $54,986 per year ($4,582/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 17.0%.
Is Houston a good city for Forensic Scientists?
Houston, TX has a cost of living index of 96 (below national average). Forensic Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace.
What skills are needed for a Forensic Scientist in Houston?
Key skills for Forensic Scientists include DNA Analysis, Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation, Chain of Custody, Lab Techniques. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include AAFS Certification, ABC Certification.
How does Forensic Scientist salary in Houston compare to the national average?
The national median Forensic Scientist salary is $69,000. In Houston, the adjusted salary is $66,240, which is 4.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Forensic Scientist salary in Houston, TX?

The median Forensic Scientist salary in Houston, TX is $66,240 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. Entry-level Forensic Scientists earn around $44,160, while senior-level professionals can earn $89,280 or more.

How much does a Forensic Scientist take home in Houston after taxes?

A Forensic Scientist earning the median salary of $66,240 in Houston, TX takes home approximately $54,986 per year ($4,582/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 17.0%.

Is Houston a good city for Forensic Scientists?

Houston, TX has a cost of living index of 96 (below national average). Forensic Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace.

What skills are needed for a Forensic Scientist in Houston?

Key skills for Forensic Scientists include DNA Analysis, Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation, Chain of Custody, Lab Techniques. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include AAFS Certification, ABC Certification.

How does Forensic Scientist salary in Houston compare to the national average?

The national median Forensic Scientist salary is $69,000. In Houston, the adjusted salary is $66,240, which is 4.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.