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Forensic scientist salary in United States (Updated 2026)

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

Average base salary

$82,946
Average $82,946
Low $56,444
High $121,893

The average salary for a forensic scientist is $82,946 per year in the United States. 141 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 12, 2026).

Forensic Scientist job openings in United States

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Forensic Scientist-Firearm/Too...
City of Albuquerque3.6out of 5 stars.
Albuquerque, NM
$75,504.00 - $102,065.60 a year
Full-time
1 day 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
 
$140,000per year
View company
Exponent
 
$137,000per year
View company
The DAKO Group
 
$116,480per year
View company
Artech Information Systems L.L...
 
$116,480per year
View company
Maricopa County
 
$113,500per year
View company
Maricopa County Sheriff's Offi...
 
$110,375per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Forensic Scientists near United States

  1. Phoenix, AZ
    $90,887 per year
  2. Little Rock, AR
    $86,469 per year
  3. Fort Worth, TX
    $80,977 per year
  4. Richmond, VA
    $73,263 per year
  5. Manassas, VA
    $57,013 per year

Where can a Forensic Scientist earn more?

Compare salaries for Forensic Scientists in different locations
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How much do similar professions as Forensic Scientist get paid in United States?

Forensic Specialist

Job openings
Average $64,268 per year