Salary Expert - Forensic Scientist Salary the United States (2024)

FAQs

How much are forensic scientists paid in us? ›

The average forensic scientist salary in the USA is $69,845 per year or $33.58 per hour. Entry level positions start at $56,522 per year while most experienced workers make up to $94,927 per year.

Forensic medical examiners are typically the highest-paid forensic jobs, making about $100,000 a year. However, rates vary from $70,000 a year to $200,000 or more.

As of Sep 4, 2024, the average annual pay for a Forensic Scientist in California is $75,768 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $36.43 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,457/week or $6,314/month.

$88,000 - $93,000. Strong skills in the analysis of forensic extractions, phone records and open-source intelligence.

The highest-paying job at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Psychiatrist with a salary of $223,743 per year (estimate). What is the lowest salary at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)? The lowest-paying job at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Janitor with a salary of $46,276 per year (estimate).

What state pays forensic scientists the most? ›

The average hourly rate for forensic scientists is $34.3 per hour. Forensic scientist salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Forensic scientists earn the highest average salary in Alaska.

They may work in the public or private sector, but the vast majority are employed by the local and state governments, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022). Read on to discover the career outlook for forensic scientists and learn about various specializations and professional certification options.

We've identified ten states where the typical salary for a Forensic Scientist job is above the national average. Topping the list is Alaska, with Massachusetts and Washington close behind in second and third.

Working as a forensic scientist can offer you a high pay rate with diverse job opportunities. A forensic scientist earns an average salary of $61,316 per year .

Job Outlook

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Becoming a forensic scientist can be challenging. Forensic scientists need a bachelor's degree and specialized training in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology and fingerprint analysis. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills help prospective forensic scientists succeed in this field.

Among the best schools offering bachelor's forensics degree programs, tuition and fees can range from $8,736 to $58,640 (NCES, 2021).