Forensic Science Technician salary in South Carolina
Forensic Science Technicians in South Carolina earn a median of $51,830 a year ($24.92 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,490 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $72,060. South Carolina ranks 39th of 41 states for forensic science technicians pay. There are 0.07 forensic science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $53,750, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,990 | $19.23 |
| 25th percentile | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Median | $51,830 | $24.92 |
| 75th percentile | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,490 | $35.33 |
| Average (mean) | $53,750 | $25.84 |
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 | $4,319.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,159.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,993.46 |
| Weekly | $996.73 |
| Hourly | $24.92 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Forensic Science Technician salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $59,240 | 170 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $57,820 | 40 |
| Columbia, SC | $45,990 | 60 |
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 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technician | $75,020 | $36.07 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $58,960 | $28.35 |
| Nuclear Technician | $108,490 | $52.16 |
| Biological Technician | $53,040 | $25.50 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $48,700 | $23.41 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $64,490 | $31.00 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $55,910 | $26.88 |
| Agricultural Technician | $41,290 | $19.85 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $53,160 | $25.56 |
| Food Science Technician | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,080 | $42.35 |
| Chemist | $79,670 | $38.30 |
| School Psychologist | $76,720 | $36.89 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $75,810 | $36.45 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in South Carolina is $51,830 a year, or $24.92 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,490 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in South Carolina earn at least $73,490 a year. The top 25% earn $57,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,990 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $45,990 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in South Carolina?
About 160 forensic science technicians are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.