Illinois Median
$124,790
per year
Hourly Rate
$60.00
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+73% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#1 of 41
370 employed here
How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Illinois?
Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois take home a median of $124,790 annually — roughly $60.00 an hour — which runs 73% above the national median of $72,060.
Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $65,780 while the top 10% make $148,790 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,190 and $129,590 a year.
Forensic Science Technician salary range in Illinois
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,780 | $31.63 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $79,190 | $38.07 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $124,790 | $60.00 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $129,590 | $62.30 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $148,790 | $71.53 |
|
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks 1st out of 41 states and territories for Forensic Science Technician pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Forensic Science Technician salary in other states
California $102,100Connecticut $85,910Colorado $84,010Montana $82,200Maryland $82,140New York $81,670Washington $81,310Nevada $81,090Oregon $80,950Massachusetts $79,320Minnesota $76,960Vermont $74,110Wisconsin $72,280Idaho $71,160North Dakota $71,090Maine $70,870Tennessee $70,500Virginia $68,900Iowa $67,060Utah $66,780Indiana $66,520Oklahoma $65,940Nebraska $65,920New Mexico $65,570Florida $64,140Georgia $63,600West Virginia $63,330Arizona $63,250New Jersey $63,220Missouri $62,750Pennsylvania $61,580Kentucky $61,470Texas $59,870Alabama $59,560North Carolina $59,240Mississippi $52,850Wyoming $52,100South Carolina $51,830South Dakota $51,690Arkansas $44,670
Working as a Forensic Science Technician in Illinois
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 Illinois pay ($124,790) 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 Illinois?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Illinois is $124,790 per year, or about $60.00 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,780 at the entry level to $148,790 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Forensic Science Technicians about 73% more than the national median of $72,060. Illinois ranks 1st out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $124,790 a year. About 370 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Illinois. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), 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.