Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Forensic Science Technicians Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Forensic Science Technicians make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$51,690
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.9% vs 2024
$54,770
Mean Salary
$51,690
Median Salary
$24.85
Hourly Rate
30 people work as Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota

Forensic Science Technicians salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Forensic Science Technicians salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $26,450$26,45025th25% earn less than $43,680$43,680MedianHalf earn more than $51,690$51,69075th75% earn less than $62,310$62,31090thTop 10% earn more than $72,510$72,510

Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota earn a median salary of $51,690 per year ($4,307/month). This is 26.3% below the national average of $70,105. South Dakota ranks #40 out of 41 states for Forensic Science Technicians pay. Approximately 30 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 4.9% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota

Salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota range from $26,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $72,510 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,680 and $62,310.

Median $51,690
P10: $26,450 P25: $43,680 P75: $62,310 P90: $72,510
10th
$26,450
25th
$43,680
Median
$51,690
75th
$62,310
90th
$72,510
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $26,450 $12.72 $2,204
25th Percentile $43,680 $21.00 $3,640
Median (50th) $51,690 $24.85 $4,307
75th Percentile $62,310 $29.96 $5,192
90th Percentile (Experienced) $72,510 $34.86 $6,042

Note: The mean (average) salary of $54,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#40
South Dakota ranks #40 of 41 states
$70,105
National avg. for Forensic Science Technicians
-26.3%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Forensic Science Technicians salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

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

Explore Forensic Science Technicians Data in South Dakota

Forensic Science Technicians Salary by State

Compare Forensic Science Technicians pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Forensic Science Technicians make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota is $51,690 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $54,770.
What is the salary range for a Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota?
Salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota range from $26,450 at the 10th percentile to $72,510 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,680 and $62,310.
What is the starting salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota?
Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians positions in South Dakota typically start around $26,450 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,680 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 30 people are employed as Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota is approximately $24.85 per hour.

💼 Earning $51,690/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn