Forensic Science Technicians Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $103,930 +54.1% vs national
Median hourly $49.96
10th percentile $79,060
90th percentile $164,500
Employed locally 410
National median $67,440

Compare Forensic Science Technicians salary & buying power

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
San Francisco, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $79,060
    25th
    $96,070
    50th (median)
    $103,930
    75th
    $155,510
    90th
    $164,500

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 78% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 22% 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
    Akron, OH $102,230
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $100,800
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $99,670
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $98,110

    Nearby metros — Forensic Science Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $131,390
    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
    California $96,850

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $142,540
    Biological Scientists, All Other $132,670
    Biological Technicians $79,270
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $160,210
    Chemists $126,190
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $80,100

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Forensic Science Technicians make per hour in San Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in San Francisco, CA is $49.96, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $84.75 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco above or below average for Forensic Science Technicians salaries?

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in San Francisco, CA is 54.1% 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 San Francisco?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $79,060 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $96,070.