Forensic Science Technician salary in South Dakota
Forensic Science Technicians in South Dakota earn a median of $51,690 a year ($24.85 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,510 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $72,060. South Dakota ranks 40th 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 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $54,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,450 | $12.71 |
| 25th percentile | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| Median | $51,690 | $24.85 |
| 75th percentile | $62,310 | $29.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,510 | $34.86 |
| Average (mean) | $54,770 | $26.33 |
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 | $4,307.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,153.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,988.08 |
| Weekly | $994.04 |
| Hourly | $24.85 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Technician | $41,420 | $19.91 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| Biological Technician | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| Food Science Technician | $48,760 | $23.44 |
| Chemical Technician | $49,030 | $23.57 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,630 | $24.82 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $44,820 | $21.55 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $73,590 | $35.38 |
| Conservation Scientist | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $68,230 | $32.80 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,180 | $34.22 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $73,920 | $35.54 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
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 Dakota?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in South Dakota is $51,690 a year, or $24.85 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in South Dakota earn at least $72,510 a year. The top 25% earn $62,310 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,450 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $43,680 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in South Dakota?
About 30 forensic science technicians are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.