Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Columbia, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, SC

Median annual salary $44,490 -34% vs national
Median hourly $21.39
10th percentile $37,490
90th percentile $59,850
Employed locally 40
National median $67,440

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
Columbia, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,490
    25th
    $40,160
    50th (median)
    $44,490
    75th
    $49,960
    90th
    $59,850

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $66,146 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 67% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 33% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Forensic Science Technicians

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $131,390
    Illinois $117,590
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $103,930
    Akron, OH $102,230
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $100,800
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $99,670

    Nearby metros — Forensic Science Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $103,930
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $82,140
    Wisconsin $61,920
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $55,340
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $50,420

    Related occupations in Columbia, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $53,960
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $77,890
    Chemical Technicians $61,320
    School Psychologists $77,080
    Chemists $65,450
    Social Science Research Assistants $69,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Forensic Science Technicians make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in Columbia, SC is $21.39, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.88 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Forensic Science Technicians salaries?

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in Columbia, SC is 34% below the national median of $67,440. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Forensic Science Technicians in Columbia?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $37,490 per year in Columbia, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,160.