By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
What do forensic science technicians earn in Illinois?
Illinois can be a good state for forensic science technicians, but its employment rates for these professionals might seem lower than expected. Though Illinois has a significant crime rate, it does not always translate to proportional employment growth in forensic science roles. The state’s investment in forensic science and resource allocation plays a role in employment opportunities.
Despite these factors, Illinois still offers opportunities, especially in major cities like Chicago where forensic labs are busy, but the job market may be more competitive due to the centralized system. Here are some other factors that play into how Illinois employs forensic science techs:
- Consolidated crime labs:
- Illinois, especially in larger cities like Chicago, tends to have centralized crime labs, such as the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Laboratory System and the Chicago Police Department’s Forensic Services Division. This centralization reduces the need for numerous smaller labs and, in turn, limits the total number of forensic science technician positions.
- Efficiency and technology:
- Advances in forensic technology and automation have allowed existing forensic labs to process more evidence with fewer technicians. This could explain why the employment growth is not as fast, despite high crime rates.
- State budgets:
- Illinois has faced budgetary challenges that affect public safety departments, including forensic services. Budget restrictions can lead to hiring freezes or fewer available positions, even though the demand for services may remain high due to crime rates in cities like Chicago.
- Regional crime
- While Chicago has a high crime rate, not all crime-related forensic work is handled by local city departments. Some cases are escalated to state or federal levels, reducing the total number of forensic positions needed in city-run labs.
One good thing about forensic science technician employment in Illinois is access to large, well-established forensic labs, particularly in Chicago and through the Illinois State Police. These labs often handle a high volume of cases, providing technicians with exposure to diverse forensic disciplines and advanced technology. Working in such environments can offer valuable experience, career growth and opportunities to specialize in specific areas of forensic science.
In this Article
Quick view
There are 370 people employed as forensic science technicians throughout Illinois says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is a fairly small number for the size of the state’s population and with a city as dense as Chicago that’s ranked #20 on the list of Most Violent Cities in America for 2024 by World Population Review. Still, you need to consider the relative scarcity of jobs for such a specialized career. The median wage per hour in Illinois is $57 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.8%.
Here are five diverse employers of forensic science technicians in Illinois, covering a range of sectors from state and federal government to educational institutions:
- Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Chicago, IL:
- This office provides opportunities for forensic science technicians to work with medical examiners on autopsies, toxicology reports and death investigations, especially in high-profile or complex cases.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)–Chicago Field Office, Chicago, IL:
- The FBI’s Chicago office employs forensic science technicians in various specialized roles, including digital forensics, DNA analysis and trace evidence, often handling federal and multi-state cases.
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Genetic Medicine, Chicago, IL:
- Forensic science technicians with a focus on genetics or DNA analysis may find research or forensic applications in academic settings like Northwestern University’s Center for Genetic Medicine, where cutting-edge research is conducted.
- Chicago Police Department Forensic Services Division, Chicago, IL:
- As part of the largest city in the state, the CPD Forensic Division handles a wide range of forensic work, including crime scene investigations, fingerprint analysis and digital forensics.
- Illinois State Police Forensic Science Laboratory System, Chicago HQ, IL:
- This state-run system operates multiple forensic labs throughout Illinois, offering positions in various specializations such as DNA analysis, toxicology and ballistics.
Quick stats about Illinois forensic science tech salaries
While the median salary for forensic science technicians in Illinois is well above the national median, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in the state, how much experience you have, what level of education you have attained and if you have earned any professional credentials or acquired any special skills, or completed specialized courses offered by the state. The BLS says that Illinois is the second highest paying state in the U.S., just after California, which makes it an attractive destination for future candidates.
Median forensic scientist salary in Illinois
The median annual salary for forensic science technicians in Illinois is $117,590, well above the national median of $67,440. In fact, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area makes the BLS’ top 10 metropolitan areas for highest pay. Here are salaries for Illinois and the top paying metro areas in the state that the BLS records:
Forensic Science Technicians
10%$57,590
25%$76,620
50%$117,590Median
75%$134,680
90%$147,370
Median Hourly Wage$57
Job growth12.8%
Total Employment380
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $99,670 | $57,590 | $146,390 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Other forensics-related careers related to consider
If you feel sure you’d like to work in forensics but aren’t certain that a forensic science technician role is right for you, there are other forensics related specializations that you might consider. Here are just a few other titles, along with median annual salaries in Illinois, where available from the BLS:
- Crime scene investigators (CSI):
- Both careers involve handling and analyzing evidence, although CSIs are more field-oriented, while forensic technicians may work more in the lab. Median annual salary: $89,740
- Forensic toxicologists:
- Forensic toxicologists work in labs and often collaborate with law enforcement, medical examiners and forensic scientists to provide critical evidence for criminal cases.
- Forensic pathologists:
- Both careers involve detailed examination and analysis of physical evidence, with physician forensic pathologists specializing in human bodies and forensic science technicians working with other types of evidence. Median annual salary: $98,130
- Latent print examiners:
- Like forensic technicians, latent print examiners work with physical evidence to solve crimes, often performing their analyses in a laboratory setting.
- Digital forensic analysts (computer forensics):
- Both careers involve technical skills and evidence analysis, but digital forensic analysts focus specifically on electronic data rather than physical evidence. Median annual salary: $114,300
- Ballistics experts:
- Like forensic technicians, ballistics experts work closely with law enforcement to analyze evidence and solve crimes. Their specialty in firearms aligns with forensic science’s broader focus on evidence.
- Forensic anthropologists:
- Both careers require a scientific background and involve the analysis of physical evidence to solve criminal cases, with anthropologists focusing specifically on human remains. Median annual salary: $57,770
Salary range for forensic science techs in Illinois
According to the BLS, the salary range for forensic science technicians in Illinois spans from $57,590 for the lowest 10% in the field to $147,370 for the highest paid 10% per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level and management roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience and education, certifications and specializing and time in the position.
Pay by cities and metropolitan areas for Illinois forensic techs
In Illinois, forensic science technician salaries are typically higher in urban areas like Chicago due to greater demand for crime scene investigations and the overall cost of living. While Chicago dominates in employment for forensic science technicians, affluent suburbs may have less direct need for these skills unless there’s a local crime lab or significant law enforcement presence.
Suburbs like Naperville, Aurora and Joliet may employ forensic technicians if they have specialized law enforcement units, but the concentration is often in urban hubs like Chicago. Forensic technicians may also find opportunities in mid-sized cities like Rockford, Springfield and Peoria, where there are regional crime labs or law enforcement agencies serving larger geographic areas.
While rural areas may not have many forensic positions, some state or federal roles could be based in these areas, potentially offering a higher salary to attract talent, but the opportunities would be more limited compared to urban centers. With this in mind, here’s what the BLS cites as the top 10 highest paying metro areas in the U.S. As you can see, the Chicago metro area makes the BLS top 10:
Job growth outlook for Illinois forensic techs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected national job growth rate for forensic science technicians is 12.8% through 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing demand for forensic analysis in criminal investigations, advancements in forensic technology and the expansion of crime labs across the country.
In Illinois, job growth for forensic science technicians is typically slower than the national average, largely due to the state’s more concentrated demand in urban areas like Chicago and fewer overall crime labs and law enforcement agencies. While Chicago and some mid-sized cities offer opportunities, Illinois as a whole does not experience the same high demand as other rapidly growing states in forensic science employment, such as those with larger regional hubs or expanding law enforcement infrastructure.
Factors affecting salaries in Illinois
Several factors specific to Illinois can impact how much a forensic science technician earns:
- Cost of living:
- Salaries in urban areas like Chicago are typically higher to match the elevated cost of living. Housing, transportation and other essentials are more expensive in cities, which influences wages. Suburban areas like Naperville and Evanston, which have affluent populations, may also offer competitive salaries.
- Urban vs. rural:
- Urban areas such as Chicago provide more forensic science opportunities, including work at crime labs and major law enforcement agencies, which typically offer higher salaries than rural areas. In contrast, rural areas tend to have fewer crime labs, leading to limited job availability and lower pay, though some state or federal roles may offer higher salaries to attract professionals to less desirable locations.
- Employer type:
- Forensic science technicians employed by state or federal agencies, such as the Illinois State Police, tend to earn more due to the scope of their work and government funding. Local law enforcement agencies or private forensic labs might offer varying salaries, with private labs potentially offering more competitive pay depending on demand.
- Specializations and experience:
- Specialized roles, such as those involving DNA analysis, toxicology or digital forensics, may command higher wages. Experienced technicians with advanced skills in high-demand areas can negotiate better salaries, particularly in Illinois cities where specialized crime labs exist.
- Demand for services:
- Illinois has regions with significant crime rates, especially in Chicago. As a result, the demand for forensic technicians can be high, which increases salaries. However, this demand is uneven across the state, with fewer opportunities in rural or low-crime areas.
- Unions and collective bargaining:
- In Illinois, many government workers, including forensic science technicians working for state and local agencies, may be part of unions. This can lead to better wages, benefits and working conditions due to collective bargaining agreements.
What do I do if I think my pay is incorrect in Illinois?
If you believe your pay as a forensic science technician in Illinois is incorrect or unfair, there are several resources and steps you can take to address the issue:
Consult your employment contract or agreement
- Review your pay scale: Check your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement to ensure that your pay aligns with what is stipulated. Unionized positions, especially in government agencies, often have set pay scales.
- Compare to job classification: Ensure that your job classification matches the tasks you’re performing, as this may impact your pay rate.
Talk to Human Resources (HR)
- Request a pay audit: Ask HR to review your salary to ensure it’s accurate. They can provide clarity on any discrepancies or explain any deductions or adjustments.
- Clarify benefits and deductions: Sometimes discrepancies arise from benefit deductions or overtime pay, which HR can explain.
Union representation
- If you’re part of a union for government forensic science technicians, contact your union representative to discuss the issue. They can help you determine if your pay is in violation of the collective bargaining agreement and can advocate on your behalf.
Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL)
- If you believe your employer is not complying with wage laws, you can file a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor. This is especially useful if you’re being underpaid, not receiving overtime or if there’s an issue with minimum wage laws. You can fill out and submit a wage claim form online through the IDOL website.
- Wage Payment and Collection Act: This is a state law that ensures that employees are paid all wages and benefits they’ve earned on time. IDOL can enforce this if your employer has violated it.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- If you believe that pay discrepancies are due to discrimination based on gender, race, age, etc., you can file a claim with the EEOC. Discriminatory pay practices are illegal under both state and federal law.
- Illinois also has the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to investigate claims of workplace discrimination.
Consult an employment lawyer
- If the issue remains unresolved or if you need legal advice, consult an employment lawyer. Many lawyers offer free consultations and can help you understand if you have a legal case regarding wage theft, unpaid overtime or discrimination.
Wage transparency resources
- Utilize websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com or Payscale to compare your salary with industry averages in Illinois. This can help you determine if you’re being paid fairly compared to your peers in similar roles.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also provides data on average pay rates for forensic science technicians by location, which you can use for comparison.
Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- If your issue involves larger-scale employer misconduct (such as systematic wage theft), you can report the issue to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
Education and training in Illinois
To become a forensic science technician in Illinois, you generally need a combination of formal education and specialized training. Here are the specific qualifications and training required:
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: Most forensic science technician positions in Illinois require at least a bachelor’s degree. Relevant degrees include:
- Forensic science: This is the most direct path, focusing on evidence analysis, crime scene investigation, and laboratory techniques.
- Natural sciences: Degrees in biology, chemistry, or physics are also common. Many forensic roles, especially in crime labs, require a strong background in chemistry or biology.
- Criminal justice with forensic focus: Some programs combine criminal justice with forensic science, preparing students for work in the law enforcement context of forensics.
Training and certifications
- On-the-job training: Most forensic science technicians undergo extensive on-the-job training in the specific tools, technologies and procedures used by their employers. This can include:
- Crime scene processing
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Laboratory analysis techniques (DNA, toxicology, fingerprinting, etc.)
- Specialized certifications:
- American Board of Criminalistics (ABC): You can pursue certification in areas like molecular biology or drug chemistry, which may make you a more competitive candidate.
- International Association for Identification (IAI): Certifications in crime scene analysis, latent print analysis or forensic photography are useful for those specializing in evidence collection.
- Forensic Scientist Trainee Program (Illinois State Police): The Illinois State Police offers a specialized training program for forensic science technicians. This program is designed to train entry-level forensic scientists in various disciplines and prepare them for lab work.
Continuing education and workshops
- Forensic science is a constantly evolving field, and staying current with the latest technology and techniques is important. Many employers in Illinois encourage ongoing training through workshops and continuing education.
- Organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) offer conferences, webinars and workshops for ongoing learning.
Internships and practical experience
- Internships: Gaining hands-on experience through internships with police departments, crime labs or private forensic labs in Illinois is recommended. This provides practical experience and may enhance your employability.
- Volunteer work: Volunteering with law enforcement agencies, especially in evidence handling or crime scene documentation, can be beneficial if you are just starting out.
Cost of living in Illinois
The cost of living in Illinois is around 8% lower than other states. The Cost of Living Index gives Illinois an index of 90.8, which translates to just around 8-9% lower than the national cost of living average. Forensic science technicians also need to consider housing, utilities, transportation, state taxes and other expenses when choosing where to live and work.
Cost of living overview:
RentCafe confirms that Illinois is lower than the national average for cost of living, with housing alone at 21% lower. This may differ in cities such as Chicago and some affluent areas such as Evanston, however.
Affordable areas:
Forensic science technicians can live comfortably in the majority of cities in Illinois, including Bloomington, Champaign, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield, which all list below the national average for cost of living.
Higher cost areas:
Only Chicago and its surrounding suburbs have a higher cost of living than the national average. RentCafe says the cost of living in Chicago is around 14% higher than the national average cost of living.
Illinois forensic tech professional associations
While there aren’t any associations that are exclusively for forensic science technicians in Illinois, several national organizations have chapters, events or connections relevant to professionals working in the state. Additionally, some state-level law enforcement organizations support forensic science activities. Here are key associations and resources that Illinois forensic science technicians can engage with:
Illinois Association of Property and Evidence Managers (IAPEM): This is a state-specific organization that provides resources, education and networking opportunities for professionals involved in managing evidence and property, a key component of forensic science work.
International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA): For forensic technicians specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis, IABPA offers educational resources, certifications and training specific to this forensic specialty.
International Association for Identification (IAI)–Illinois Division: The IAI has a presence in Illinois and offers certifications and resources for forensic science technicians, particularly those specializing in crime scene investigation, fingerprint identification and forensic photography.
Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS): Although this is a regional organization, MAFS is very active in Illinois and surrounding states. It offers a variety of resources for forensic science professionals, including training seminars, conferences and peer networking opportunities.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): AAFS is the largest national organization for forensic scientists, and while it’s not Illinois-specific, many professionals in the state are members. They offer networking, certifications, conferences and continuing education.
The forensic science technician salary guide for Illinois strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the forensic science profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.