Forensic Science Technicians Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $131,390 +94.8% vs national
Median hourly $63.17
10th percentile $85,250
90th percentile $155,130
Employed locally 150
National median $67,440

Compare Forensic Science Technicians salary & buying power

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $85,250
    25th
    $98,410
    50th (median)
    $131,390
    75th
    $155,130
    90th
    $155,130

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 83% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 17% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Forensic Science Technicians

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $98,110

    Nearby metros — Forensic Science Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    California $96,850

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $155,990
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $132,230
    Biological Scientists, All Other $132,630
    Biological Technicians $71,920
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $101,520
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $75,670

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in San Jose, CA is $63.17, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $77.93 or more per hour.

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

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in San Jose, CA is 94.8% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $85,250 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $98,410.