Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $82,600 +22.5% vs national
Median hourly $39.71
10th percentile $61,400
90th percentile $105,170
Employed locally 200
National median $67,440

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
Seattle, WA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $61,400
    25th
    $76,960
    50th (median)
    $82,600
    75th
    $96,020
    90th
    $105,170

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 73% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 27% 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
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $86,150
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $80,300
    Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $78,520
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $78,170
    Washington $77,650
    Fort Wayne, IN $72,510

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $101,500
    Biological Technicians $58,090
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $98,950
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $99,680
    Urban and Regional Planners $103,410
    Biological Scientists, All Other $98,750

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in Seattle, WA is $39.71, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $57.31 or more per hour.

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

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in Seattle, WA is 22.5% 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $61,400 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $76,960.