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Forensic scientist salary in United States, 2026

How much does a Forensic Scientist make in the United States?

Average base salary

$82,159
Average $82,159
Low $55,702
High $121,181

The average salary for a forensic scientist is $82,159 per year in the United States. 131 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated November 1, 2026).

Forensic Scientist job openings in United States

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Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania3.6out of 5 stars.
Greensburg, PA
$53,008 - $80,646 a year
Full-time
1 week ago

Highest paying companies for Forensic Scientist in United States

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Exponent
 
$141,000per year
View company
Exponent
 
$140,000per year
U.S. Customs and Border Protec...
 
$122,404per year
The DAKO Group
 
$116,480per year
Artech Information Systems L.L...
 
$116,480per year
Maricopa County
 
$113,500per year

Hiring a Forensic Scientist?

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Highest paying cities for Forensic Scientists near United States

  1. Phoenix, AZ
    $89,623 per year
  2. Little Rock, AR
    $86,469 per year
  3. Richmond, VA
    $69,272 per year
  4. Manassas, VA
    $62,511 per year
  5. South Charleston, WV
    $60,250 per year

Where can a Forensic Scientist earn more?

Compare salaries for Forensic Scientists in different locations
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forensic Scientist

The average salary for a Forensic Scientist is $82,159 per year in the United States. This figure is based on 131 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on November 1, 2026.

Forensic Scientist jobs on Indeed - find your next one today.

Forensic Scientist salaries typically range between a low of $55,702 and a high of $121,181 per year, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Forensic Scientist include Phoenix, AZ at $89,623 per year, Little Rock, AR at $86,469 per year, and Richmond, VA at $69,272 per year.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Forensic Scientist include Exponent ($141,000 per year) and Exponent ($140,000 per year).

How much do similar professions as Forensic Scientist get paid in United States?

Forensic Specialist

Job openings
Average $59,507 per year