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Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Forensic Science Technicians in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $112,790, with 260 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $65,780 at the 10th percentile to $148,790 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$112,790

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$54.23

Employment

260

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$65,780
10th
$75,000
25th
$112,790
Median
$129,590
75th
$148,790
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$112,790

Median annual · 2025

United States

$72,060

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 56.5% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $40,730).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 4.0
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.0
  6. 6.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6
  7. 7.Active LearningImportance 3.4
  8. 8.ScienceImportance 3.3
  9. 9.MonitoringImportance 3.3
  10. 10.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3
  11. 11.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus
  • Midwest Information Systems PAX-it
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
  • SmartDraw Legal
  • The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
  • Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
  • Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Automated Biometric Identification System ABIS
  • Combined DNA Index System CODIS

Common tasks

  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
  • Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
  • Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
  • Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
  • Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Forensic Science Technicians salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL