The FBI Forensic Examiner plays a vital role in solving crimes in the United States. They handle evidence such as DNA, digital files, firearms, fingerprints, and toxicology samples that help agents and courts reach accurate conclusions. In 2025, salaries and allowances for FBI forensic examiners remain competitive, reflecting the importance of their work in national security and criminal justice.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of FBI Forensic Examiner salary by grade level, benefits, allowances, and career progression. It also explains how pay is structured under the federal system, what factors affect earnings, and how forensic examiners compare to other professionals in law enforcement and forensic science.
Whether you are a job seeker, a student planning to join forensic science, or someone researching FBI careers, this article answers every question you may have about FBI Forensic Examiner salaries in 2025.
Overview of FBI Forensic Examiner Salary Structure
The salary structure for forensic examiners in the FBI follows the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which is the main pay system for most federal employees. Forensic examiners usually start at GS-7, GS-9, or GS-11, depending on education and experience, and can advance up to GS-13 or higher as they gain expertise.
Key points about the structure:
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Base Pay: Determined by the GS grade level.
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Step Increases: Each grade has 10 steps, offering small salary increases over time.
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Locality Pay: Adjustments made for cost of living depending on the examiner’s duty station (e.g., higher pay in Washington D.C. compared to rural states).
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Allowances: Special payments for overtime, hazard duty, or on-call assignments.
FBI Forensic Examiner Salary Table (2025 Estimates)
The following table summarizes average 2025 salaries for forensic examiners based on GS pay levels, excluding locality pay and allowances.
| Grade Level | Base Pay (Annual) | Base Pay (Monthly) | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $43,800 – $56,400 | $3,650 – $4,700 | Entry-level examiner, trainee |
| GS-9 | $53,500 – $69,800 | $4,450 – $5,800 | Junior examiner, basic lab tasks |
| GS-11 | $65,000 – $84,500 | $5,400 – $7,000 | Independent examiner, field-ready |
| GS-12 | $78,000 – $102,300 | $6,500 – $8,500 | Experienced examiner, specialized unit |
| GS-13 | $92,000 – $119,500 | $7,700 – $9,950 | Senior examiner, case supervisor |
| GS-14 | $109,000 – $141,000 | $9,000 – $11,750 | Supervisory forensic examiner |
| GS-15 | $128,000 – $168,000 | $10,600 – $14,000 | Division chief, policy leader |
Note: Salaries increase with locality pay, which can raise earnings by 15%–30% depending on city.
How the FBI Forensic Examiner Pay System Works
The FBI follows the federal GS system, but forensic examiners also benefit from additional pay considerations:
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Education Level – Applicants with master’s or doctorate degrees often start at higher GS levels.
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Experience – Prior forensic, lab, or law enforcement experience accelerates entry grade.
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Locality Pay – Adjustments for living costs in expensive areas like San Francisco, New York, or Washington D.C.
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Promotions – With strong performance, promotions usually occur every 1–3 years.
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Overtime and On-Call Pay – Examiners often work outside regular hours, earning extra.
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Special Assignment Pay – Working on terrorism or high-risk cases may bring hazard pay.
Detailed Salary by Grade Level
GS-7 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $43,800 – $56,400 annually.
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Role: New examiners, recent graduates, or trainees.
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Duties: Collecting samples, preparing lab reports, assisting senior examiners.
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Growth: Typically promoted to GS-9 within 1–2 years.
GS-9 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $53,500 – $69,800 annually.
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Role: Junior examiner with some independence.
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Duties: Processing evidence, testifying in smaller cases, supporting investigations.
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Growth: Promotion to GS-11 with proven skills.
GS-11 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $65,000 – $84,500 annually.
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Role: Full examiner status, handling complex evidence.
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Duties: Independent lab analysis, expert reports, collaboration with agents.
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Growth: Moves to GS-12 with experience.
GS-12 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $78,000 – $102,300 annually.
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Role: Experienced examiner specializing in one field (e.g., DNA, firearms, cyber forensics).
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Growth: Senior roles at GS-13.
GS-13 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $92,000 – $119,500 annually.
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Role: Senior forensic examiner, often supervising junior staff.
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Growth: Management positions at GS-14 and GS-15.
GS-14 and GS-15 Forensic Examiner Salary (2025)
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Range: $109,000 – $168,000 annually.
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Role: Supervisory and administrative leaders, managing entire forensic units.
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Duties: Oversee policies, training, and high-profile casework.
Allowances and Benefits for FBI Forensic Examiners
Apart from salary, FBI forensic examiners enjoy several allowances and benefits:
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Locality Pay: Extra 15%–30% depending on location.
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Overtime Pay: Compensation for extended hours.
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Hazard Duty Pay: For handling dangerous materials or sensitive cases.
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Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision.
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Retirement Plans: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Paid Leave: Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
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Training and Education: Fully funded training, certifications, and career development.
Comparison with Other Forensic Careers in the USA
| Position | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| FBI Forensic Examiner (GS-11–13) | $65,000 – $120,000 |
| State Crime Lab Examiner | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| Local Police Forensic Analyst | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Private Sector Forensic Expert | $70,000 – $150,000 |
The FBI offers better career stability, federal benefits, and higher promotion potential compared to local or state agencies, even if private sector roles sometimes offer higher peak salaries.
Key Factors Affecting FBI Forensic Examiner Salary
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Education and Specialization – Advanced degrees or rare skills (e.g., digital forensics) raise pay.
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Duty Station – High-cost cities lead to higher locality adjustments.
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Years of Service – Long-term employees benefit from step increases and promotions.
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Overtime & Hazard Duty – Special assignments significantly boost earnings.
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Federal Budget & Policy Changes – Government funding levels affect pay adjustments each year.
Career Progression for FBI Forensic Examiners
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Entry Level: GS-7 or GS-9 after bachelor’s degree.
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Mid Level: GS-11 to GS-12 with specialization.
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Senior Level: GS-13 as supervisor or team lead.
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Leadership: GS-14 or GS-15 in management roles.
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Advanced Paths: May transition into FBI Special Agent roles or senior forensic management.
Joining Requirements for FBI Forensic Examiners
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Education: Bachelor’s in forensic science, biology, chemistry, IT (for digital), or related field.
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Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
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Background Check: Full FBI clearance required.
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Training: Must complete FBI forensic training programs.
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Physical & Mental Fitness: Ability to handle high-pressure crime scene investigations.
FAQs on FBI Forensic Examiner Salary and Allowances (2025)
Q1. What is the starting salary for an FBI forensic examiner in 2025?
The starting salary is about $43,800 annually at GS-7, excluding locality pay and allowances.
Q2. How much can a senior FBI forensic examiner earn?
At GS-13 or GS-14, salaries can range from $92,000 to $141,000, plus locality pay.
Q3. Do FBI forensic examiners get overtime pay?
Yes, they receive overtime and on-call pay for working beyond standard hours.
Q4. Which city pays the highest salary for FBI forensic examiners?
Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco offer the highest locality pay adjustments.
Q5. What degree is best for becoming an FBI forensic examiner?
Degrees in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or computer forensics are most relevant.
Q6. Are FBI forensic examiners considered law enforcement officers?
No, they are support staff but may work closely with FBI Special Agents.
Q7. How often do salary increases happen?
Employees receive annual step increases and larger increases with promotions.
Q8. Do FBI forensic examiners testify in court?
Yes, they frequently provide expert witness testimony in federal cases.
Q9. Are there signing bonuses for new examiners?
Generally no, but some fields with shortages (like digital forensics) may offer incentives.
Q10. Do forensic examiners get retirement benefits?
Yes, under the FERS system, including pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Conclusion
The FBI Forensic Examiner salary in 2025 reflects the critical role these professionals play in solving crimes and maintaining national security. With a pay scale tied to the federal GS system, salaries range from $43,800 at entry level to $168,000 for senior leadership positions, not including allowances and locality adjustments.
In addition to strong base pay, forensic examiners receive generous benefits, allowances, and career advancement opportunities, making the FBI one of the most rewarding employers for forensic science professionals in the USA.
For those considering a career in forensic science, joining the FBI offers a stable, prestigious, and financially rewarding path in 2025 and beyond.