Salaries vary from state to state; but with experience, forensic scientists may eventually earn annual salaries between $35,000 and $50,000. Forensic scientists employed by the government are typically able to work a 40-hour work week.
The Merit Promotion Plan is established to ensure a systematic means of selection for promotion based on merit in accordance with Title 5, United States Code, Section 2301, Merit Systems Principles (5 USC 2301) and Section 2302, Prohibited Personnel Practices (5 USC 2302).
Two-Step Promotion Rule. The two-step promotion rule states that a GS employee promoted to a position in a higher grade is entitled to basic pay at the lowest rate of the higher grade that exceeds his or her existing rate of basic pay by not less than two step increases of the grade from which promoted.