Washington Median
$81,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.09
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+13% vs US median
US median $72,060
State Rank
#8 of 41
390 employed here
How much does a Forensic Science Technician make in Washington?
Forensic Science Technicians in Washington take home a median of $81,310 annually — roughly $39.09 an hour — which runs 13% above the national median of $72,060.
Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $61,290 while the top 10% make $108,300 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $70,720 and $97,350 a year.
Forensic Science Technician salary range in Washington
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,290 | $29.47 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $70,720 | $34.00 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $81,310 | $39.09 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $97,350 | $46.80 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $108,300 | $52.07 |
|
How Washington compares
Washington ranks 8th 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 $81,670Nevada $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 Washington
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 Washington pay ($81,310) 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 Washington?
The median Forensic Science Technician salary in Washington is $81,310 per year, or about $39.09 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $61,290 at the entry level to $108,300 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Forensic Science Technicians about 13% more than the national median of $72,060. Washington ranks 8th out of 41 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Forensic Science Technicians?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $81,310 a year. About 390 Forensic Science Technicians are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), 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.