How much does a Forensic Lab Tech make in South Dakota? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Lab Tech in South Dakota is $35,797 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Forensic Lab Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,524
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,487 to $38,794
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,384

Key Factors That Influence Forensic Lab Tech Salaries

A Forensic Lab Tech's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Forensic Lab Tech Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Forensic Lab Tech's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $35,172
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $67,095
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $89,885
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $115,394
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,295
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Forensic Lab Tech less than 1 year $35,172
Patient Accounts Supervisor 1-2 years $67,095
Patient Accounts Manager 2-4 years $89,885
Patient Accounts Senior Manager 5-8 years $115,394
Patient Accounts Director over 8 years $154,295

Top Paying Cities for Forensic Lab Tech

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Alcester: $36,170
  • Aurora: $36,362
  • Baltic: $35,971

Forensic Lab Tech Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Forensic Lab Tech roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Forensic Lab Tech positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Forensic Lab Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Forensic Lab Tech

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $42,956 $21.0 20%

Forensic Lab Tech Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Forensic Lab Tech's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$33,487
Average $35,797/year
$38,794
$2,791
Average $2,983/month
$3,233
$644
Average $688/week
$746
$16
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $38,794 $3,233 $746 $19
Average $35,797 $2,983 $688 $17
25th Percentile $33,487 $2,791 $644 $16

Find Your Next Forensic Lab Tech Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forensic Lab Tech job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Host Healthcare, Inc. | Rapid City, SD

    Host Healthcare, Inc. | Rapid City, SD

    Travel healthcare offers healthcare professionals new career opportunities that involve travel, growth, and excitement. At Host Healthcare, we are dedicate... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Sanford Health | Aberdeen, SD

    Sanford Health | Aberdeen, SD

    Cardiac Technologist. Have a heart for healthcare. Check out this opportunity to join our Heart and Vascular team as a Cardiac Technologist. Sanford Health... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Fusion Medical Staffing | Sioux Falls, SD

    Fusion Medical Staffing | Sioux Falls, SD

    Cath Lab Tech. Job #1975288. Sioux Falls, SD $2785-3202 /week* 40 hrs /week. Estimated payments include wages and expense reimbursement, are based on infor... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Anders Group, LLC | Rapid City, SD

    Anders Group, LLC | Rapid City, SD

    Travel Cath Lab Tech - $3382/Week. Rapid City, SD $3382/wk gross Sep 28, 2026 to Dec 26, 2026 Days. Job Number 1368996. Skills: Cath Lab Tech. Anders Group... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Jackson HealthPros | Sioux Falls, SD

    Jackson HealthPros | Sioux Falls, SD

    Salary:$3,008.74 - $3,208.74 /wk Are you ready to take your expertise as a cardiovascular technologist to new heights. Join Jackson HealthPros as a cath la... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Titan Medical Group, LLC | Rapid City, SD

    Titan Medical Group, LLC | Rapid City, SD

    Travel Cath Lab Tech Position. Titan Medical is looking for travelers to fill a Travel Cath Lab Tech position for a 13-week assignment in Rapid City, SD more

    8 Days Ago

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