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Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Oregon: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

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

Oregon is 6.6% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary
$78,100
Median annual (2024)
-6.2%
Real Purchasing Power
$73,264
COL-adjusted (RPP=106.6)

Oregon Cost of Living Index

Oregon's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 106.6, meaning prices are 6.6% higher the national average. A Forensic Science Technicians earning $78,100 in Oregon has the equivalent purchasing power of $73,264 in an average-cost US state.

OR: 106.6
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 Oregon's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $53,090 $49,803 $-3,286
25th Percentile (P25) $61,760 $57,936 $-3,823
Median (P50) $78,100 $73,264 $-4,835
75th Percentile (P75) $97,110 $91,097 $-6,012
90th Percentile (P90) $129,220 $121,219 $-8,000
Key Insight

While $78,100 sounds high, Oregon's elevated cost of living erases 6% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $73,264. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

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.

$116,080
RPP 101.3
2. Montana
$87,054
RPP 90.3
$86,088
RPP 112.5
$83,957
RPP 88.7
5. Kansas
$83,500
RPP 90.0
6. Ohio
$80,120
RPP 91.5
$79,812
RPP 106.4
8. Nevada
$79,398
RPP 96.4
$76,797
RPP 91.8
10. Colorado
$76,050
RPP 102.3

Oregon ranks #13 out of 44 states for Forensic Science Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

A Forensic Science Technicians in Oregon earns a median salary of $78,100 per year. After adjusting for Oregon's cost of living (RPP=106.6), the real purchasing power is $73,264 — a -6.2% difference.

Is Oregon expensive to live in?

Oregon's cost of living is 6.6% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Oregon is 106.6 (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 Oregon: $78,100 x (100 / 106.6) = $73,264. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Oregon offset the salary?

Partially — a Forensic Science Technicians's nominal salary of $78,100 in Oregon has 6.2% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $73,264. However, Oregon may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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