Forensic Science Technician salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Forensic Science Technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $71,160 a year ($34.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,130 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $72,060. Pay here is 6% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $67,060. There are 0.23 forensic science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $71,940, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| 25th percentile | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| Median | $71,160 | $34.21 |
| 75th percentile | $96,990 | $46.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,130 | $48.14 |
| Average (mean) | $71,940 | $34.59 |
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 | $5,930 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,965 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,736.92 |
| Weekly | $1,368.46 |
| Hourly | $34.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $71,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Forensic Science Technician salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $67,160 | 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 |
See Forensic Science Technician pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Food Science Technician | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $43,960 | $21.14 |
| Chemical Technician | $57,000 | $27.40 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $33,840 | $16.27 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $54,940 | $26.41 |
| Agricultural Technician | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $132,290 | $63.60 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $92,310 | $44.38 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $81,220 | $39.05 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $76,580 | $36.82 |
| Chemist | $87,560 | $42.10 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $95,200 | $45.77 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $99,420 | $47.80 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $71,160 a year, or $34.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $100,130 a year. The top 25% earn $96,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,960 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $57,600 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 90 forensic science technicians are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.