Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $70,450 +4.5% vs national
Median hourly $33.87
10th percentile $34,240
90th percentile $97,220
Employed locally 80
National median $67,440

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Forensic Science Technicians
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,240
    25th
    $57,260
    50th (median)
    $70,450
    75th
    $97,220
    90th
    $97,220

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 84% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 16% 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
    California $96,850
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $80,300
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $77,990
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $77,200
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $74,190
    Indiana $65,770

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Agricultural Technicians$39,340
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$82,830
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$101,880
    Soil and Plant Scientists$86,120
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$76,220
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$44,040

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Forensic Science Technicians make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in Des Moines, IA is $33.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.14 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Forensic Science Technicians salaries?

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in Des Moines, IA is 4.5% above 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $34,240 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $57,260.