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Average Forensic Science Technicians Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Forensic Science Technicians in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $119,720. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $75,760, reflecting the high demand and specialized nature of the role within this dynamic metropolitan region. The concentration of advanced research institutions and a robust legal infrastructure likely contributes to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $119,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,500.
  • Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area supports a local workforce of 410 Forensic Science Technicians. With a Location Quotient of 1.35, indicating a concentration 35% higher than the national average, the job market here demonstrates a robust demand for these specialized professionals, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$119,720

The average Forensic Science Technicians in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+58.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.6

Weekly

$2,302

Monthly

$9,977

Forensic Science Technicians Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Career progression for Forensic Science Technicians in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles of the $119,720 average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$79,060$38
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$89,790$43.2
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$103,930$50
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$149,650$71.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$164,500$79.1

Detailed Forensic Science Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$119,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$119,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $119,720 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is effectively on par with the national average, considering the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

410

Total Jobs

0.17

Per 1K Jobs

1.35

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.35, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Forensic Science Technicians roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.35 signifies that Forensic Science Technicians are more concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a specialized market with a higher density of opportunities and potentially a more competitive environment for skilled professionals, indicating a strong presence and demand for this occupation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Forensic Science Technicians

Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Hiring Forensic Science Technicianss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Forensic Science Technicians make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

The median annual salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $119,720. This typically ranges from $79,060 for entry-level positions to $164,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 58.0% higher than the national median of $75,760.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Forensic Science Technicians?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Forensic Science Technicians.Forensic Science Technicians in this region earn a substantial $119,720 annually, significantly above the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this salary offers strong purchasing power.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Forensic Science Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,490) and Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA.

How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Forensic Science Technicians in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is $119,720, which is considerably higher than the national average of $75,760.

What is the concentration of Forensic Science Technicians in this area?

The Location Quotient of 1.35 indicates that Forensic Science Technicians are 35% more concentrated in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont compared to the national average, suggesting higher demand.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area is at the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $119,720 translates to strong real wages compared to the rest of the country.

What does the total local workforce number imply?

A local workforce of 410 Forensic Science Technicians suggests a significant, established presence of this profession within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.17 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.