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Forensic Nurse - RN Salary in the United States

How much does a Forensic Nurse - RN make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Nurse - RN in the United States is $101,161 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.

However, a Forensic Nurse - RN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $121,944
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $91,575 to $112,039
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $82,848
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Forensic Nurse - RN Salaries

A Forensic Nurse - RN's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Forensic Nurse - RNs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Forensic Nurse - RNs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $112,005.
  • California: $111,580.
  • Massachusetts: $110,093.

Top Paying Cities for Forensic Nurse - RN

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $127,594
  • San Francisco: $126,197
  • Oakland: $123,537

Forensic Nurse - RN Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Forensic Nurse - RN salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $107,303. While startup companies pay approximate $91,438.

Forensic Nurse - RN Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $91,438
Growth Stage 51~500 $96,525
Established 501~5000 $103,794
Enterprise 5000+ $107,303

Forensic Nurse - RN Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Forensic Nurse - RN roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Forensic Nurse - RN positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Forensic Nurse - RN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Forensic Nurse - RN

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government & Nonprofit$121,393$58.020%
Healthcare$111,277$53.010%

Forensic Nurse - RN Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Forensic Nurse - RN's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$91,575
Average $101,161/year
$112,039
$7,631
Average $8,430/month
$9,337
$1,761
Average $1,945/week
$2,155
$44
Average $49/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $112,039 $9,337 $2,155 $54
Average $101,161 $8,430 $1,945 $49
25th Percentile $91,575 $7,631 $1,761 $44

Forensic Nurse - RN Salary Growth & Career Path

Forensic Nurse - RN

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Forensic Nurse - RN, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Maternity Services Director $161,998 60%
Head of Intensive Care Unit $154,113 52%
Staff Nurse - RN I $73,601 -27%
Transplant Nurse Coordinator $110,094 9%

Most common benefits for Forensic Nurse - RN

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Forensic Nurse - RN

Here are companies hiring for Forensic Nurse - RN and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Forensic Nurse - RN

1. Where can a Forensic Nurse - RN earn the most?

A Forensic Nurse - RN's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Forensic Nurse - RN earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Forensic Nurse - RN is $127,594.

2. What is the highest pay for Forensic Nurse - RN?

The highest pay for Forensic Nurse - RN is $121,944.

3. What is the lowest pay for Forensic Nurse - RN?

The lowest pay for Forensic Nurse - RN is $82,848.

4. What are the responsibilities of Forensic Nurse - RN?

Provides compassionate, trauma-informed medical care to patients after an assault. Collects and documents forensic evidence and findings to support investigations and court proceedings. Assesses and treats injuries and may provide medications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and emergency contraception. May testify in court as expert witnesses and coordinate with law enforcement and advocacy services. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license.. Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Forensic Nurse - RN?

The Government & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Forensic Nurse - RN roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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