Money · 1 of 5
What forensic scientists make
Median
$72,060
Bottom tenth
$48,250
Top tenth
$117,250
The national median is $72,060 a year, the bottom tenth earn $48,250 or less and the top tenth $117,250 or more, in the 2025 federal wage survey for forensic science technicians. Pay is set by public salary schedules, so it is predictable and it is not negotiable.