Forensic Science Technician Salary in Colorado (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$84,010
per year
Hourly Rate
$40.39
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+17% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#4 of 41
510 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Colorado?

Forensic Science Technicians in Colorado take home a median of $84,010 annually — roughly $40.39 an hour — which runs 17% above the national median of $72,060.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $63,080 while the top 10% make $114,100 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $71,850 and $105,350 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,080$30.33
25th percentile (early career)$71,850$34.54
50th percentile (median)$84,010$40.39
75th percentile (experienced)$105,350$50.65
90th percentile (top earners)$114,100$54.86

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 4th 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 Colorado

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 Colorado pay ($84,010) 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 Colorado?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Colorado is $84,010 per year, or about $40.39 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,080 at the entry level to $114,100 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Forensic Science Technicians about 17% more than the national median of $72,060. Colorado ranks 4th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $84,010 a year. About 510 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), 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.