Forensic science technicians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$67,440
~$32/hr · ~$5,620/mo
US Jobs
21K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
The role is a hybrid of physical evidence collection and digital analysis. While AI can significantly automate pattern recognition (fingerprints, ballistics) and statistical reporting, the job requires physical presence at crime scenes to collect samples and the human credibility necessary to testify in court as an expert witness.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $131,390 | Above avg (113.1) | $116,214 |
| Akron, OH | $102,230 | Below avg (92.9) | $110,015 |
| Toledo, OH | $93,560 | Below avg (90.6) | $103,240 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $99,670 | Average (102.5) | $97,252 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $100,800 | Above avg (110.7) | $91,023 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $96,770 | Above avg (109.1) | $88,706 |
| New Haven, CT | $93,290 | Above avg (105.4) | $88,546 |
| Columbus, OH | $83,790 | Below avg (94.6) | $88,545 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $103,930 | Above avg (117.6) | $88,413 |
| Jackson, TN | $74,730 | Below avg (86.8) | $86,113 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $98,110 | Above avg (114.7) | $85,500 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $97,040 | Above avg (113.7) | $85,359 |
| Missoula, MT | $78,610 | Below avg (93.9) | $83,707 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $82,140 | Average (98.2) | $83,665 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $77,280 | Below avg (93.2) | $82,916 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+13% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$32/hr
Monthly Income
~$5,620/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)