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

FAQs

Salary Expert - Forensic Scientist Salary the United States? ›

How Much Do Forensic Scientist Jobs Pay per Year? $57,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $93,000 is the 75th percentile.

Entry level positions start at $56,028 per year while most experienced workers make up to $94,204 per year.

How much does a Forensic Scientist make at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States? The estimated average pay for Forensic Scientist at this company in the United States is $97,963 per year, which is 51% above the national average.

Job Outlook

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Earning a PhD is an option for forensic science professionals who wish to seek promotion to advanced leadership positions, teach at the college level, or go into research. A doctorate degree in forensic science can typically be completed through four to five years of study.

For example, the annual mean wage for forensic science technicians in California is $93,630, while the annual mean salary in Texas is $59,070. Those in San Jose, California, can earn up to $106,600 annually.

Total salary range for New York Police Department Forensic Scientist in New York City, NY. The estimated total pay range for a Forensic Scientist at New York Police Department is $71K–$107K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay.

Forensic scientist salaries typically range between $45,000 and $112,000 yearly. 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.

Does the CIA have forensic scientists? ›

Forensic Scientist within CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology apply deep technical expertise to provide identity-driven analysis and innovative solutions for complex mission requirements.

Unlike crime scene investigators, forensic scientists do not visit the crime scene. Instead, they work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators to help law enforcement agencies pursue justice.

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.