Forensic Science Technician Salary in Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$68,900
per year
Hourly Rate
$33.13
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-4% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#19 of 41
770 employed here

How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Virginia?

A Forensic Science Technician working in Virginia earns a median salary of $68,900 per year, or about $33.13 per hour. That is 4% below the national median of $72,060 for this occupation.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $49,390 while the top 10% make $125,740 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,970 and $99,330 a year.

Forensic Science Technician salary range in Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$49,390$23.75
25th percentile (early career)$52,970$25.47
50th percentile (median)$68,900$33.13
75th percentile (experienced)$99,330$47.75
90th percentile (top earners)$125,740$60.45

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 19th 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 Virginia

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 Virginia pay ($68,900) 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 Virginia?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Virginia is $68,900 per year, or about $33.13 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $49,390 at the entry level to $125,740 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Forensic Science Technicians about 4% less than the national median of $72,060. Virginia ranks 19th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $68,900 a year. About 770 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Virginia. 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 Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in Virginia include Anesthesiologist ($488,310), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($478,710), Cardiologist ($461,450), 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.