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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Lab Technician in California is $43,116 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Forensic Lab Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forensic Lab Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,301 | $3,858 | $890 | $22 |
| Average | $43,116 | $3,593 | $829 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,067 | $3,339 | $771 | $19 |
Blue Chip Talent - Irvine, CA
Biolog Inc - Hayward, CA
Omni Design Technologies - Milpitas, CA
ALLIANCE CLINICAL LLC - San Diego, CA
A Forensic Lab Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forensic Lab Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Forensic ... Level Forensic Lab Technician | $43,328 |
| Patient A... Level Forensic Lab Technician | $74,401 |
| Patient A... Level Forensic Lab Technician | $110,725 |
| Patient A... Level Forensic Lab Technician | $142,146 |
| Patient A... Level Forensic Lab Technician | $190,031 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Lab Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Forensic Lab Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Forensic Lab Technician positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Forensic Lab Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $51,739 | $25.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Forensic Lab Technician'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,301 | $3,858 | $890 | $22 |
| Average | $43,116 | $3,593 | $829 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,067 | $3,339 | $771 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forensic Lab Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
GLIDE
San Francisco, CA
GLIDE | San Francisco, CA
Lab Technician. The Lab Technician executes all Health Empowerment & Access Team (HEAT) testing, phlebotomy, and laboratory services for HIV, HCV, and STIs... more
8 Days Ago
K2 Staffing, LLC
Murrieta, CA
K2 Staffing, LLC | Murrieta, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Summary. We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced. Laboratory Technician. to support a laboratory and distributio... more
9 Days Ago
FullSteam
Lindsay, CA
FullSteam | Lindsay, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Full Steam Staffing is hiring a Lab Technician – Lindsay, CA. Pay Rate. $18.00/hour. Location. Lindsay, CA. Benefits. Med... more
9 Days Ago
System One
Irvine, CA
System One | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Lab Technician. Location. Irvine, CA. Work Model. Onsite. Hours. M-F 8am-5pm. Compensation. $28.00 - $32.00/hr... more
9 Days Ago
Pavement Recycling Systems Inc
Jurupa Valley, CA
Pavement Recycling Systems Inc | Jurupa Valley, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. JOIN THE WEST COAST’S PREMIER SUSTAINABILITY-DRIVEN INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY. OWN YOUR FUTURE AT PRS. Fou... more
9 Days Ago
The Fountain Group LLC
Fremont, CA
The Fountain Group LLC | Fremont, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Available Shifts. 2nd Shift: 2 PM - 10:30 PM. 3rd Shift: 10 PM - 6:30 AM. Duties. Executes routine unit operations in more
9 Days Ago
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