South Dakota Median
$51,690
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.85
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-28% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#40 of 41
30 employed here
How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in South Dakota?
Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota take home a median of $51,690 annually — roughly $24.85 an hour — which runs 28% below the national median of $72,060.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $26,450 while the top 10% make $72,510 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,680 and $62,310 a year.
Forensic Science Technician salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,450 | $12.72 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $43,680 | $21.00 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,690 | $24.85 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $62,310 | $29.96 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,510 | $34.86 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 40th 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 $84,010Montana $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 $51,830Arkansas $44,670
Working as a Forensic Science Technician in South Dakota
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 South Dakota pay ($51,690) 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 South Dakota?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in South Dakota is $51,690 per year, or about $24.85 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $26,450 at the entry level to $72,510 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Forensic Science Technicians about 28% less than the national median of $72,060. South Dakota ranks 40th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $51,690 a year. About 30 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), 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.