Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Modesto, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Modesto, CA

Median annual salary $81,860 +21.4% vs national
Median hourly $39.36
10th percentile $63,090
90th percentile $124,980
Employed locally 40
National median $67,440

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
Modesto, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $63,090
    25th
    $65,940
    50th (median)
    $81,860
    75th
    $101,270
    90th
    $124,980

    Modesto economic context

    Unemployment rate 6.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,661 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 103% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 3% above 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $131,390
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $103,930
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $100,800
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $99,670
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $98,110
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $97,040

    Related occupations in Modesto, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Food Science Technicians $48,940
    Chemical Technicians $55,310
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $95,320
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $136,180
    Food Scientists and Technologists $81,740
    Chemists $81,180

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in Modesto, CA is $39.36, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $60.09 or more per hour.

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

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in Modesto, CA is 21.4% 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 Modesto?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $63,090 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,940.