(BLS, 2012). The typical forensic scientist salary in the best paying jobs make between $65,000 and $72,000 per year, according to 2012 data from the BLS. For new forensic scientists, the typical forensic scientist salary is between $48,000 and $60,000 per year. Overall, the median in 2010 was $51, 570, BLS data from 2010 shows. Within the forensic science category, there are several specialties that may change salary and compensation.