Forensic Science Technician Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Pennsylvania Median
$61,580
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.61
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-15% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#32 of 41
360 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Pennsylvania?

Forensic Science Technicians in Pennsylvania take home a median of $61,580 annually — roughly $29.61 an hour — which runs 15% below the national median of $72,060.

Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $47,740 while the top 10% make $94,520 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,430 and $84,530 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in Pennsylvania

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$47,740$22.95
25th percentile (early career)$54,430$26.17
50th percentile (median)$61,580$29.61
75th percentile (experienced)$84,530$40.64
90th percentile (top earners)$94,520$45.44

How Pennsylvania compares

Pennsylvania ranks 32nd 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania pay ($61,580) 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 Pennsylvania?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Pennsylvania is $61,580 per year, or about $29.61 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,740 at the entry level to $94,520 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania pays Forensic Science Technicians about 15% less than the national median of $72,060. Pennsylvania ranks 32nd out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $61,580 a year. About 360 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
The highest-paying occupations in Pennsylvania include Cardiologist ($579,120), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($553,740), Anesthesiologist ($461,390), 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.