Montana Median
$82,200
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.52
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+14% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#5 of 41
60 employed here
How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Montana?
Forensic Science Technicians in Montana take home a median of $82,200 annually — roughly $39.52 an hour — which runs 14% above the national median of $72,060.
Within Montana, entry-level pay starts around $55,640 while the top 10% make $104,410 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,630 and $82,200 a year.
Forensic Science Technician salary range in Montana
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,640 | $26.75 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $61,630 | $29.63 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $82,200 | $39.52 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $82,200 | $39.52 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,410 | $50.20 |
|
How Montana compares
Montana ranks 5th out of 41 states and territories for Forensic Science Technician pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Forensic Science Technician salary in other states
Illinois $124,790California $102,100Connecticut $85,910Colorado $84,010Maryland $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 Montana
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 Montana pay ($82,200) 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 Montana?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Montana is $82,200 per year, or about $39.52 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $55,640 at the entry level to $104,410 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Montana pay compare to the national average?
Montana pays Forensic Science Technicians about 14% more than the national median of $72,060. Montana ranks 5th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Montana a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Yes on pay — Montana pays above the national median for this occupation, at $82,200 a year. About 60 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Montana. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Montana?
The highest-paying occupations in Montana include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($560,820), Physician, All Other ($438,850), Radiologist ($360,330), 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.