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Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Indiana: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Forensic Science Technicians salary really buy you in Indiana?

Indiana is 8.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$66,520
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$72,461
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.8)

Indiana Cost of Living Index

Indiana's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.8, meaning prices are 8.2% lower the national average. A Forensic Science Technicians earning $66,520 in Indiana has the equivalent purchasing power of $72,461 in an average-cost US state.

IN: 91.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Indiana's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $49,990 $54,455 +$4,465
25th Percentile (P25) $58,420 $63,638 +$5,218
Median (P50) $66,520 $72,461 +$5,941
75th Percentile (P75) $83,280 $90,718 +$7,438
90th Percentile (P90) $92,450 $100,708 +$8,258
Key Insight

A Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana earns $66,520 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $72,461 in an average-cost state. This makes Indiana one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Indiana Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.8

Indiana's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.8 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.2% less than the national average. For a Forensic Science Technicians, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.9%

After applying Indiana's RPP, the $66,520 median salary translates to $72,462 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Forensic Science Technicians.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#21 / 41

Indiana's rank of #21 of 41 states means real purchasing power for Forensic Science Technicians trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Forensic Science Technicians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Forensic Science Technicians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$123,188
RPP 101.3
2. Montana
$91,029
RPP 90.3
$90,755
RPP 112.5
4. Nevada
$84,118
RPP 96.4
$82,121
RPP 102.3
$80,742
RPP 106.4
$80,146
RPP 88.7
$78,771
RPP 97.7
$78,309
RPP 92.3
10. Maryland
$78,228
RPP 105.0

Indiana ranks #21 out of 41 states for Forensic Science Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Forensic Science Technicians take-home pay in Indiana after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana after cost of living?

A Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana earns a median salary of $66,520 per year. After adjusting for Indiana's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $72,461 — a +8.9% difference.

Is Indiana expensive to live in?

Indiana's cost of living is 8.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Indiana is 91.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana: $66,520 x (100 / 91.8) = $72,461. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Forensic Science Technicians in Indiana enjoys 8.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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