Forensic Science Technicians pay in California
In California, the median pay for forensic science technicians is $49.09 an hour ($102,100 a year). About 2,800 people work in this job there.
That is 42% higher than the U.S. median ($72,060). California ranks 2nd of 41 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $31.08 | $64,650 |
| 25% of workers | $38.85 | $80,810 |
| Half of workers (median) | $49.09 | $102,100 |
| 75% of workers | $63.85 | $132,810 |
| 90% of workers | $71.20 | $148,090 |
Forensic Science Technicians pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $137,280 | 140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $109,930 | 330 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $105,320 | 220 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $104,410 | 1,170 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $102,810 | 80 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $101,780 | 160 |
| Fresno | $85,200 | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $82,320 | 280 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $81,930 | 60 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $79,970 | 70 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for forensic science technicians
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +13.3% over ten years, much faster than average · about 2,800 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $78,350 |
| Biological Technicians | $71,440 |
| Chemical Technicians | $59,510 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $58,120 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $61,220 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $60,250 |
| Food Science Technicians | $54,200 |
| Agricultural Technicians | $60,320 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.