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Average Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Illinois

Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois command an impressive average annual salary of $106,120, substantially outpacing the national average of $75,760. This significant difference is often dictated by a combination of factors unique to the state, including specialized industry demands, higher operational costs for laboratories, and the specific skill sets required within Illinois's legal and scientific communities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $106,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $147,370.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 380, the Illinois market for Forensic Science Technicians, while not exceptionally large, indicates a stable and established presence. The Location Quotient of 0.5 suggests that while the concentration of these professionals is lower than the national average, the existing workforce is integral to the state's operations, implying consistent demand for their specialized skills within the existing infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$106,120

The average Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois earns+40.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$51

Weekly

$2,041

Monthly

$8,843

Forensic Science Technicians Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois is clearly reflected in salary differentials. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, but with accumulated experience and specialization, professionals can advance to senior roles commanding significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the value placed on expertise, advanced techniques, and years of dedicated service in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$57,590$27.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$79,590$38.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$117,590$56.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$132,650$63.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$147,370$70.9

Detailed Forensic Science Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$106,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$115,599

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $106,120 in Illinois presents a strong financial advantage when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the higher nominal income translates into greater purchasing power for residents, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and potentially greater savings compared to living in areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

0.063

Per 1K Jobs

0.5

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.50x the national average concentration of Forensic Science Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.5 for Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while the overall number of jobs might not be as dense as in some other regions, the demand for these specialized roles is present and potentially less saturated, offering opportunities for skilled professionals to establish themselves.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Forensic Science Technicians make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois is $106,120. This typically ranges from $57,590 for entry-level positions to $147,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 40.1% higher than the national median of $75,760.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Forensic Science Technicianss?

Yes, Illinois is a highly lucrative state for Forensic Science Technicians.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances the financial benefits for professionals in this field.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Forensic Science Technicians?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois earn an average of $106,120 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $75,760.

What is the concentration of Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois?

The Location Quotient for Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois is 0.5, meaning the profession is half as concentrated as the national average.

Does the cost of living in Illinois affect the value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Illinois (91.8) is below the national average, making the higher salary of $106,120 provide substantial purchasing power.

What is the total number of Forensic Science Technicians in Illinois?

There are approximately 380 Forensic Science Technicians employed in Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.063 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.