Forensic Science Technician Salary in Kentucky (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Kentucky Median
$61,470
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.55
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-15% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#33 of 41
60 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Kentucky?

A Forensic Science Technician working in Kentucky earns a median salary of $61,470 per year, or about $29.55 per hour. That is 15% below the national median of $72,060 for this occupation.

Within Kentucky, entry-level pay starts around $48,470 while the top 10% make $74,710 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,200 and $67,760 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in Kentucky

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$48,470$23.30
25th percentile (early career)$51,200$24.62
50th percentile (median)$61,470$29.55
75th percentile (experienced)$67,760$32.58
90th percentile (top earners)$74,710$35.92

How Kentucky compares

Kentucky ranks 33rd 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 Kentucky

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 Kentucky pay ($61,470) 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 Kentucky?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Kentucky is $61,470 per year, or about $29.55 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,470 at the entry level to $74,710 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Kentucky pay compare to the national average?
Kentucky pays Forensic Science Technicians about 15% less than the national median of $72,060. Kentucky ranks 33rd out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Kentucky a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $61,470 a year. About 60 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky?
The highest-paying occupations in Kentucky include Cardiologist ($558,180), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($350,950), Anesthesiologist ($347,960), 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.