Average Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Virginia
Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $73,340, slightly below the national average of $75,760. This marginal difference is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, demand within the state's specific industries, and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,210.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 740 professionals, Virginia demonstrates a notable concentration of Forensic Science Technicians, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.44. This suggests a stronger presence of these roles in Virginia compared to the national average, hinting at a robust and potentially growing job market within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia earns-3.2%below the national average.
$35.3
$1,410
$6,112
Forensic Science Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased demand for specialized skills, advancements in forensic technology, and inflation likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Forensic Science Technicians Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,900 | $22.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,005 | $26.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,860 | $30.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $91,675 | $44.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $107,210 | $51.5 |
Detailed Forensic Science Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,327
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $73,340 in Virginia aligns closely with a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is a bit lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary in Virginia is quite comparable to the national average, offering a relatively stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
0.181
Per 1K Jobs
1.44
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.44, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Forensic Science Technicians roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates that Forensic Science Technicians are more concentrated in Virginia than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market, but also implies a higher demand and a more established professional community within the state, potentially offering more specialized opportunities and networking benefits.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Forensic Science Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Forensic Science Technicians Salary | $74,030↑ 1% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Forensic Science Technicians make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia is $73,340. This typically ranges from $46,900 for entry-level positions to $107,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 3.2% lower than the national median of $75,760.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Forensic Science Technicians?
Yes, Virginia offers a competitive landscape for Forensic Science Technicians.While the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, the strong concentration of professionals and a cost of living very close to the national average make it an attractive and financially viable location.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Forensic Science Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($74,030) and others.
How does Virginia's salary compare to the national average for this role?
Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia earn an average of $73,340 annually, which is approximately $2,420 less than the national average of $75,760.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.44 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.44 signifies that Forensic Science Technicians are more prevalent in Virginia relative to the national average, suggesting a potentially more robust job market and a higher concentration of industry-specific opportunities.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's expenses are only slightly higher than the national average. This means the $73,340 salary provides purchasing power very close to the national average, making it a relatively stable financial proposition.
What is the total number of Forensic Science Technicians in Virginia?
There are approximately 740 Forensic Science Technicians employed within Virginia, indicating a significant professional community in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.181 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 Virginia