Forensic Science Technician salary in Columbia, SC
Forensic Science Technicians in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $45,990 a year ($22.11 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,990 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $72,060. Pay here is 11% lower than the South Carolina statewide median of $51,830. There are 0.14 forensic science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $47,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,560 | $18.54 |
| 25th percentile | $39,990 | $19.23 |
| Median | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| 75th percentile | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Average (mean) | $47,770 | $22.97 |
Half of forensic science technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,832.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,916.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,768.85 |
| Weekly | $884.42 |
| Hourly | $22.11 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Forensic Science Technician salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $59,240 | 170 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $57,820 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for forensic science technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $124,790 |
| California | $102,100 |
| Connecticut | $85,910 |
| Colorado | $84,010 |
| Montana | $82,200 |
| Maryland | $82,140 |
| New York | $81,670 |
| Washington | $81,310 |
| Nevada | $81,090 |
| Oregon | $80,950 |
See Forensic Science Technician pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| Chemical Technician | $64,740 | $31.12 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $79,160 | $38.06 |
| Chemist | $73,430 | $35.30 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $99,960 | $48.06 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $85,300 | $41.01 |
| Hydrologist | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| School Psychologist | $81,370 | $39.12 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Conservation Scientist | $45,910 | $22.07 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,910 | $34.57 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $50,900 | $24.47 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-4092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a forensic science technician make in Columbia, SC?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in the Columbia, SC metro area is $45,990 a year, or $22.11 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $57,990 a year. The top 25% earn $47,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,560 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $39,990 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in Columbia, SC?
About 60 forensic science technicians are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.