Forensic Science Technician Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Forensic Science Technicians in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$44,670
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.48
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-38% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#41 of 41
100 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Arkansas?

Forensic Science Technicians in Arkansas take home a median of $44,670 annually — roughly $21.48 an hour — which runs 38% below the national median of $72,060.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $38,470 while the top 10% make $66,440 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,280 and $50,520 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$38,470$18.50
25th percentile (early career)$41,280$19.85
50th percentile (median)$44,670$21.48
75th percentile (experienced)$50,520$24.29
90th percentile (top earners)$66,440$31.94

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 41st out of 41 states and territories for Forensic Science Technician pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$124,790
2California$102,100
3Connecticut$85,910
4Colorado$84,010
5Montana$82,200

Working as a Forensic Science Technician in Arkansas

Nationally, about 19,000 people work as Forensic Science Technicians in the United States. A certificate or diploma program (usually 6 to 18 months) is the typical entry path.

Considering a move? Compare Arkansas pay ($44,670) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Arkansas?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Arkansas is $44,670 per year, or about $21.48 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,470 at the entry level to $66,440 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Forensic Science Technicians about 38% less than the national median of $72,060. Arkansas ranks 41st out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,670 a year. About 100 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Arkansas. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Forensic Science Technician salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.