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Forensic Science Technicians Salary in SD

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Forensic Science Technicians in SD have a median annual salary of $51,690, with 30 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $26,450 at the 10th percentile to $72,510 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

$51,690

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$24.85

Employment

30

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$26,450
10th
$43,680
25th
$51,690
Median
$62,310
75th
$72,510
90th

Local compared with national

SD

$51,690

Median annual · 2025

United States

$72,060

Median annual · 2025

The SD median is 28.3% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $20,370).

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 SD