Forensic Science Technician salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Forensic Science Technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn a median of $87,460 a year ($42.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $135,010 for the top 10%. That is 21% higher than the national median of $72,060. Pay here is 8% higher than the Oregon statewide median of $80,950. There are 0.06 forensic science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.52). The average (mean) salary is $90,620, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for forensic science technicians in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,210 | $27.99 |
| 25th percentile | $68,570 | $32.96 |
| Median | $87,460 | $42.05 |
| 75th percentile | $102,520 | $49.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $135,010 | $64.91 |
| Average (mean) | $90,620 | $43.57 |
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 | $7,288.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,644.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,363.85 |
| Weekly | $1,681.92 |
| Hourly | $42.05 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $87,460 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $95,460 | 230 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,660 | $30.13 |
| Biological Technician | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $59,710 | $28.71 |
| Food Science Technician | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| Chemical Technician | $58,020 | $27.89 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $59,610 | $28.66 |
| Agricultural Technician | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $59,850 | $28.78 |
| Hydrologic Technician | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $50,160 | $24.11 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $97,410 | $46.83 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $98,050 | $47.14 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $112,640 | $54.16 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $86,680 | $41.67 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median salary for forensic science technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area is $87,460 a year, or $42.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $135,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid forensic science technicians make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The top 10% of forensic science technicians in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn at least $135,010 a year. The top 25% earn $102,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for forensic science technicians in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,210 a year, and a quarter of forensic science technicians earn $68,570 or less.
How many forensic science technicians work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
About 80 forensic science technicians are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.