Forensic Science Technician Salary in North Carolina (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$59,240
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.48
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-18% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#36 of 41
520 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in North Carolina?

A Forensic Science Technician working in North Carolina earns a median salary of $59,240 per year, or about $28.48 per hour. That is 18% below the national median of $72,060 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $45,950 while the top 10% make $81,760 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $49,690 and $66,110 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$45,950$22.09
25th percentile (early career)$49,690$23.89
50th percentile (median)$59,240$28.48
75th percentile (experienced)$66,110$31.78
90th percentile (top earners)$81,760$39.31

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 36th 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina pay ($59,240) 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 North Carolina?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in North Carolina is $59,240 per year, or about $28.48 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $45,950 at the entry level to $81,760 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Forensic Science Technicians about 18% less than the national median of $72,060. North Carolina ranks 36th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $59,240 a year. About 520 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), 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.