Forensic Science Technician salary in Tennessee
Forensic Science Technicians in Tennessee earn a median of $70,500 a year ($33.90 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,140 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $72,060. Tennessee ranks 18th of 41 states for forensic science technicians pay. There are 0.09 forensic science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $75,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,730 | $22.95 |
| 25th percentile | $54,030 | $25.98 |
| Median | $70,500 | $33.90 |
| 75th percentile | $95,940 | $46.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $120,140 | $57.76 |
| Average (mean) | $75,770 | $36.43 |
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 | $5,875 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,937.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,711.54 |
| Weekly | $1,355.77 |
| Hourly | $33.90 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $78,480 | 150 |
| Jackson, TN | $74,020 | 40 |
| Knoxville, TN | $70,500 | 70 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,660 | 30 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Chemical Technician | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Biological Technician | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $56,960 | $27.39 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $46,410 | $22.31 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $63,050 | $30.31 |
| Nuclear Technician | $91,980 | $44.22 |
| Agricultural Technician | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Hydrologic Technician | $30,780 | $14.80 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $102,720 | $49.39 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,190 | $39.03 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $76,840 | $36.94 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $76,820 | $36.93 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in Tennessee is $70,500 a year, or $33.90 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in Tennessee earn at least $120,140 a year. The top 25% earn $95,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,730 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $54,030 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in Tennessee?
About 300 forensic science technicians are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.