How To Become A Computer Forensics Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer forensics technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

If you have ever enjoyed criminal investigation shows and you are very tech-inclined, this might be a great job for you. Computer forensics technicians are involved in criminal investigations from a purely technological point of view. You can call them digital detectives. They gather, analyze, and preserve evidence from technological devices like phones, drives, and laptops for legal purposes. They could also be required to prepare extensive DNA analysis reports. Sometimes, they appear in court to present findings as well. Besides corporate work, you can be employed by corporations that want to prevent security breaches.

To work as a computer forensics technician, you must have certifications in Microsoft systems engineering. You must also possess a knowledge of solo-3, helix software, and cubic hardware. Plus, you must also be skilled in documentation and presentation of evidence. The average annual salary for a computer forensics technician is $43,000.

ScoreComputer Forensics TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $50,698

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.9

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 10.46%

Black or African American 9.39%

Hispanic or Latino 16.62%

Unknown 6.13%

White 56.35%

Gender

female 52.90%

male 47.10%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer forensics technician

Explore computer forensics technician education requirements

Most common computer forensics technician degrees

Bachelor's

63.2 %

Associate

14.8 %

Master's

7.9 %

Start to develop specific computer forensics technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Extraction	20.78%
Physical Evidence	12.20%
Digital Evidence	10.97%
Laboratory Equipment	7.98%
Maintenance Logs	7.60%

Complete relevant computer forensics technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer forensics technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer forensics technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer forensics technician resumes.

Research computer forensics technician duties and responsibilities

Set up and manage all Linux labs campus-wide.
Identify, collect, preserve and impound evidence including developing fingerprints and/or footprints and collecting DNA and stain evidence.
Train employees and subcontractors on the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of genetic analysis and real-time PCR system instrumentation and software.
Compose comprehensive DNA analysis reports.

Prepare your computer forensics technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer forensics technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer forensics technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable computer forensics technician resume templates

Build a professional computer forensics technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer forensics technician resume.

Apply for computer forensics technician jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a computer forensics technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average computer forensics technician salary

The average computer forensics technician salary in the United States is $50,698 per year or $24 per hour. Computer forensics technician salaries range between $39,000 and $65,000 per year.

Average computer forensics technician salary

$50,698 Yearly

$24.37 hourly

What is a computer forensics technician and how to become one

Key steps to become a computer forensics technician

Explore computer forensics technician education requirements

Most common computer forensics technician degrees

Start to develop specific computer forensics technician skills

Complete relevant computer forensics technician training and internships

Research computer forensics technician duties and responsibilities

Prepare your computer forensics technician resume

Choose from 10+ customizable computer forensics technician resume templates

Apply for computer forensics technician jobs

How did you land your first computer forensics technician job

Average computer forensics technician salary

How do computer forensics technicians rate their job?