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Forensic Science Technicians Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Forensic Science Technicians make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$102,100
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.4% vs 2024
$104,960
Mean Salary
$102,100
Median Salary
$49.09
Hourly Rate
2,800 people work as Forensic Science Technicians in California
Forensic Science Technicians salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Forensic Science Technicians in California earn a median salary of $102,100 per year ($8,508/month).
This is 45.6% above the national average of $70,105.
California ranks #2 out of 41 states for Forensic Science Technicians pay.
Approximately 2,800 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 5.4% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Forensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Law and Government
4.47
Public Safety and Security
4.17
Education and Training
3.73
English Language
3.6
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
(36.3% of workers)
Salary Range: Forensic Science Technicians in California
Salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in California range from $64,650 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $148,090 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $80,810 and $132,810.
How much do Forensic Science Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for Forensic Science Technicians in California is $102,100 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $104,960.
What is the salary range for a Forensic Science Technicians in California?
Salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in California range from $64,650 at the 10th percentile to $148,090 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $80,810 and $132,810.
What is the starting salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in California?
Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians positions in California typically start around $64,650 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $80,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Forensic Science Technicians in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,800 people are employed as Forensic Science Technicians in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Forensic Science Technicians in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Forensic Science Technicians in California is approximately $49.09 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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