By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
What are forensic science technician salaries in Indiana?
Indiana offers several benefits for forensic science technicians. One key reason is the state’s investment in forensic labs, especially in cities like Indianapolis, where the Indiana State Police Forensic Laboratory Division operates, providing modern facilities and a range of specializations. Too, Indiana’s cost of living is relatively low, allowing professionals to enjoy a better quality of life compared to higher-cost states.
While not the highest-paying state, the affordability and growing urban centers make it a good option for those looking to build a career in forensic science with room for growth and advancement.
In this Article
Quick view
There are 350 people employed as forensic science technicians throughout Indiana 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 cities such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville. Still, you need to consider the relative scarcity of jobs for such a specialized career. The median wage per hour in Indiana is $32 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.3%.
Here are five top employers of forensic science technicians in Indiana, making a case for those in the field who are considering a move to the state:
- Indiana State Police Forensic Laboratory, Indianapolis, IN:
- This is one of Indiana’s the primary forensic employers, offering forensic science jobs across various disciplines including DNA analysis, drug chemistry and firearms examination.
- Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, Indianapolis, IN:
- Provides forensic services for the city of Indianapolis and Marion County, handling a variety of casework including toxicology, DNA and fingerprints.
- Marion County Coroner’s Office, Indianapolis, IN:
- Forensic technicians may assist with death investigations, autopsies and gathering forensic evidence for medical and legal purposes.
- Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indianapolis, IN:
- IU School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology often collaborates with forensic labs and employs technicians involved in pathology and forensic research.
- Private Forensic Consulting Firms, Statewide, IN:
- There are several private companies and labs in Indiana that offer specialized forensic services for legal cases, working with law enforcement or independently on criminal and civil cases. Just two of these companies would be Midwest Forensics Resource Center in West Lafayette and Forensic Fluids Laboratories in Elkhart.
Quick stats about IN forensic science tech salaries
While the median salary for forensic science technicians in Indiana is just below the national median, pay may vary depending upon where you work and live in the state. For example median pay is around $3,000 more a year in Indianapolis where median annual pay is $63,300. Other factors include how many years of experience you have, what level of education you have attained and if you have earned any professional credentials or acquired any special skills, which may set you apart from other forensic science technicians.
Median forensic scientist salary in Indiana
The median annual salary for forensic science technicians in Indiana is $66,520, below the national median of $72,060. However, the cost of living in Indiana is lower than the national average, so salaries should go further as well.
Forensic Science Technicians
10%$49,990
25%$58,420
50%$66,520Median
75%$83,280
90%$92,450
Median Hourly Wage$32
Job growth13.3%
Total Employment320
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $77,630 | $49,340 | $95,210 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $72,510 | $60,600 | $86,560 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 median salary; projected job growth through 2035. 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 Indiana, 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: $70,340
- 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: $254,550
- 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: $101,420
- 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.
- Anthropologists:
- Both anthropologist and forensic anthropologist careers require a scientific background and involve the analysis of physical evidence to solve criminal cases, with forensic anthropologists focusing specifically on human remains. Median annual salary: $63,730
Salary range for forensic science techs in Indiana
Forensic science technicians in Indiana typically earn salaries within the following ranges, said the BLS:
- Entry-level: Around $39,000 to $49,000 per year
- Mid-career: Between $50,000 and $78,000 annually
- Experienced/senior level: Up to $85,000 or more per year, depending on specialization and location
These figures are somewhat below the national average, but Indiana’s lower cost of living makes it possible for forensic science technicians to maintain a good quality of life. Larger cities like Indianapolis may offer higher wages compared to rural areas. This range 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.
Forensic science tech pay by cities and metropolitan areas in Indiana
Pay for forensic science technicians in Indiana is significantly influenced by location, particularly in metropolitan areas like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, due to several factors:
- Higher demand: Cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have larger populations and more crime, which increases the need for forensic services. This demand often translates into higher salaries compared to rural areas, where fewer forensic technicians are needed.
- More specialized labs: Metropolitan areas tend to have more advanced forensic facilities, such as the Indiana State Police Forensic Laboratory Division in Indianapolis. These labs often require specialized skills that command higher pay due to the expertise involved.
- Cost of living adjustments: While the cost of living in Indiana is generally low, living in cities like Indianapolis can still be slightly more expensive than rural areas. Employers in cities may offer higher wages to compensate for housing, transportation and other urban living costs.
- Access to more opportunities: Urban areas typically provide more career advancement opportunities and access to diverse casework, which can result in salary increases as technicians gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
That said, here is the top 10 list for forensic science technician pay by metro area, according to the BLS. As you can see, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, which is closely aligned between Illinois and Indiana, just barely makes the list.
Job growth outlook for Indiana forensic techs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected national job growth rate for forensic science technicians is 13.3% through 2035, 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.
While the national job growth rate for forensic science techs is faster than average, job growth for forensic science technicians in Indiana may be slower than the national median due in part, to these factors:
- Lower crime rates: Despite drug-related deaths due to an opioid crisis, Indiana, outside of a few urban centers, has lower crime rates compared to other states with large metropolitan areas. Since forensic science technician jobs are often tied to the volume of criminal investigations, fewer crimes can mean fewer job openings for technicians.
- Limited forensic labs: Indiana has fewer forensic labs compared to more populous or high-crime states. While the state has key facilities in places like Indianapolis, the overall demand for technicians may be limited due to fewer large-scale labs and lower overall demand for forensic services.
- Budget constraints: Funding for law enforcement and forensic services in Indiana may be more restricted compared to states with bigger budgets for public safety and criminal justice. Limited funding can slow the hiring of new forensic science professionals, especially in rural or smaller jurisdictions.
Factors affecting salaries in Indiana
In Indiana, several state-specific factors can influence the salary of forensic science technicians:
- Cost of living:
- Indiana’s relatively low cost of living allows employers to offer lower salaries than in states with higher living costs. While the pay may seem lower compared to national figures, it aligns with Indiana’s affordability. This keeps wages moderate, especially outside of major urban areas like Indianapolis, even though the city’s cost of living is also lower than the national average.
- Fewer forensic jobs:
- Since Indiana has fewer forensic science positions compared to states with larger or higher-crime populations, there is more competition for available jobs. However, this does not necessarily translate into higher pay. In fact, it can have the opposite effect—because there are fewer positions, employers may not feel the pressure to offer high salaries. This results in forensic science technicians in Indiana often being paid less than the national average, despite competition for positions.
- Employer type:
- Indiana’s public safety and law enforcement budgets are relatively modest, particularly in rural areas. Limited state funding for forensic services can suppress salaries, as agencies may not have the resources to offer competitive wages. This factor can lead to lower pay for forensic science technicians compared to states with larger budgets for criminal justice.
What do I do if I think my pay is incorrect in Indiana?
If you believe your pay as a forensic science technician in Indiana is incorrect or less than someone doing the same job, here are some resources and steps you can take:
- Ask for an internal review: If you think your salary is lower than expected, first consult with your employer’s HR department to understand the pay structure and raise concerns about any discrepancies. They can provide clarity on how salaries are determined and whether adjustments can be made.
- File a wage complaint: If you believe you’re being underpaid according to state or federal wage laws and are not receiving fair pay for overtime or not meeting minimum wage standards, you can file a wage claim through the Indiana Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
- Consider legal action: If you think you are being paid unfairly due to discrimination, or believe you have a case of wage theft, consider contacting an attorney who specializes in employment law. The Indiana State Bar Association can help connect you with legal professionals. If the pay discrepancy is due to discrimination based on gender, race, or another protected characteristic, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Use your union if applicable, or professional associations: If you are part of a union, they can advocate for better wages and benefits on your behalf. Forensic science technicians may also join professional organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), which sometimes offer resources or job benchmarking data to support salary discussions.
Education and training in Indiana
To become a forensic science technician in Indiana, here’s a general education and career path you can follow:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice or a closely related field is typically the minimum educational requirement. Indiana has several schools that offer programs related to forensic science. Purdue University (including Purdue Global) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) both offer science programs, with IUPUI having a specific Forensic and Investigative Sciences program.
- Gain lab experience: During or after completing your degree, gaining hands-on laboratory experience is crucial. Many forensic science programs include lab work in disciplines like toxicology, DNA analysis and criminalistics. Internships at forensic labs, such as the Indiana State Police Forensic Laboratory, can provide valuable experience.
- Consider specializing, especially in a state with limited openings: Forensic science is broad, so consider specializing in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, ballistics or latent fingerprint analysis. Some positions may require certifications in these specialties, which can be pursued through organizations like the American Board of Criminalistics or specialized training programs.
- Pursue professional certification: While not always required, certifications can enhance your credentials. Certifications from bodies like the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or the International Association for Identification (IAI) may improve job prospects, especially for specialized roles.
- Complete continuing education to keep current: Forensic science is an evolving field, so continuing education, such as attending workshops or conferences, will be important to stay current. Many employers also encourage or require ongoing training in emerging forensic technologies.
Cost of living in Indiana
The cost of living in Indiana is around 8% lower than other states. The Cost of Living Index gives Indiana an index of 91.5 (with 100 being the national average), which translates to just around 8% 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 Indiana is lower than the national average for cost of living, with housing alone at 21% lower while utilities are 1% higher. Food, healthcare and public transportation are all lower than the national average.
Affordable areas:
Forensic science technicians can live comfortably in every city in Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Elkhart and Evansville, which are all in the vicinity of forensic labs. Other cities that are affordable include Muncie, South Bend and Terre Haute.
Higher cost areas:
Only Bloomington comes close to being a higher cost of living area, and it rests at 0% higher than the national average.
Indiana forensic tech professional associations
While there aren’t any associations that are exclusively for forensic science technicians in Indiana, there are a couple national and regional groups forensic science technicians can engage with:
Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS): MAFS serves forensic professionals in Indiana and other Midwestern states. It provides opportunities for continuing education, networking and professional development through conferences, workshops, and publications.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): While not Indiana-specific, AAFS has a strong presence nationally and includes Indiana-based forensic science technicians. It offers a broad range of resources for professionals, including certifications, professional development opportunities and research publications.
The forensic science technician salary guide for Indiana aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape along with key information regarding the forensic science profession in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries, education requirements and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.