Average Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Arizona
Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona can expect an average annual salary of $68,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $75,760, suggesting that while the demand for these critical roles exists, state-specific economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic may influence compensation levels compared to the broader U.S. market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,850.
- Outlook: Arizona's market for Forensic Science Technicians appears robust, with a total local workforce of 880 professionals. The location quotient of 2.19 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Arizona compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence within the state's scientific and law enforcement sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona earns-9.1%below the national average.
$33.1
$1,325
$5,740
Forensic Science Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing demand for forensic analysis in criminal investigations and advancements in scientific methodologies, leading to a gradual upward adjustment in compensation.
Forensic Science Technicians Salary Distribution in Arizona
Career progression for Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior technicians with specialized skills and years of dedicated service can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to investigative teams.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,590 | $21.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,660 | $24.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,620 | $29.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $86,100 | $41.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $109,850 | $52.8 |
Detailed Forensic Science Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,737
Adjusted for COL (106.4)
The average annual salary of $68,880 in Arizona needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 106.4. Since the index is above the national average (100), the purchasing power of this salary is slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, meaning that while the nominal salary is substantial, the real value may require careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
0.276
Per 1K Jobs
2.19
Location Quotient
Arizona has 2.2x the national concentration of Forensic Science Technicians jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 2.19, Arizona exhibits a strong concentration of Forensic Science Technicians, more than double the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market where employers may have access to a skilled local talent pool, but also indicates a significant reliance on these professionals within the state's infrastructure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Forensic Science Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Forensic Science Technicians Salary | $72,110↑ 5% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arizona
Hiring Forensic Science Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Forensic Science Technicians make in Arizona?
The median annual salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona is $68,880. This typically ranges from $45,590 for entry-level positions to $109,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arizona is 9.1% lower than the national median of $75,760.
Is Arizona a lucrative place for Forensic Science Technicianss?
No, not comparatively.While the average salary of $68,880 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $75,760. Furthermore, the cost of living in Arizona is slightly higher than the national average, which can impact the real value of the salary.
Is Arizona a good place to live for Forensic Science Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Arizona is 106.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arizona?
Some top paying nearby cities include Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ ($72,110) and others.
How does Arizona's concentration of Forensic Science Technicians compare nationally?
Arizona has a significantly higher concentration of Forensic Science Technicians, indicated by a location quotient of 2.19, meaning there are more than double the number of these professionals per worker compared to the national average.
What is the typical salary range for Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona?
While the average is $68,880, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employer. Entry-level positions will be lower, while senior technicians with extensive experience can earn considerably more.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Forensic Science Technicians in Arizona?
Yes, the cost of living in Arizona is 6.4% higher than the national average. This means that the $68,880 salary may not stretch as far as it would in a lower cost-of-living area.
How many Forensic Science Technicians work in Arizona?
There are approximately 880 Forensic Science Technicians employed in Arizona, representing a notable presence within the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Arizona area with a job density of 0.276 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Forensic Science Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arizona