How Much Are Forensic Scientists Paid Per Year?

Average Pay

Figures published by wage comparison website PayScale.com put the average yearly pay for a forensic scientist in America at between $39,887 and $71,536. This consists of a basic salary of between $39,632 and $69,560 augmented by bonuses and profit sharing, the amounts of which will vary dependent upon a forensic scientist's individual employment contract.

Salary levels increase exponentially as an individual gains more experience in his chosen field. While the average wage level for a new recruit and for someone with between one and four years experience are similar--$36,812 to $49,082 and $37,945 to $54,520 respectively--accruing between ten and 19 years of professional experience brings rewards of between $51,613 and $94,360. Staying in the job for 20 years or more results in an average pay level of $80,000 to $111,364.

Different sectors of industry employ forensic scientists and offer differing levels of pay. Professional laboratory services offered the highest level and broadest range of average salary, $34,000 to $77,419. In comparison, law enforcement agencies offered $40,027 to $68,314, while police agencies were listed at $38,609 to $60,000.

The locale in which a forensic scientist operates is also a major influence on his pay expectations. PayScale.com surveyed several cities across the country and found that Los Angeles and Atlanta had the highest average salaries--$42,745 to $101,736 and $30,521 to $90,002, respectively. New York was among the lowest-paying metropolises, with an average pay level of between $35,000 and $50,929, beaten only by Dallas, which trailed in the survey with a pay rate of $38,783 to $41,217.