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Computer forensics technician vs crime scene analyst

The differences between computer forensics technicians and crime scene analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a computer forensics technician and a crime scene analyst. Additionally, a crime scene analyst has an average salary of $60,637, which is higher than the $50,698 average annual salary of a computer forensics technician.

The top three skills for a computer forensics technician include extraction, physical evidence and digital evidence. The most important skills for a crime scene analyst are physical evidence, law enforcement agencies, and crime scene investigation.

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene analyst overview

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Analyst
Yearly salary$50,698$60,637
Hourly rate$24.37$29.15
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs19,018231
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age3838
Years of experience44

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene analyst salary

Computer forensics technicians and crime scene analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Analyst
Average salary$50,698$60,637
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $65,000Between $37,000 And $98,000
Highest paying CityLincoln, NE-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyLos Alamos National Laboratory-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between computer forensics technician and crime scene analyst education

There are a few differences between a computer forensics technician and a crime scene analyst in terms of educational background:

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldStanford University

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene analyst demographics

Here are the differences between computer forensics technicians' and crime scene analysts' demographics:

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Analyst
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 47.1% Female, 52.9%Male, 52.1% Female, 47.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.4% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between computer forensics technician and crime scene analyst duties and responsibilities

Computer forensics technician example 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.
  • Increase customer satisfaction by validating a more sensitive extraction method which produce more informative results.
  • Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.

Crime scene analyst example responsibilities.

  • Participate on inter-agency task forces to strategically apprehend and convict key members of criminal groups in the Chicagoland area.
  • Collect evidence using various collection and detection methods including photography, ALS and chemical processing.

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene analyst skills

Common computer forensics technician skills
  • Extraction, 21%
  • Physical Evidence, 12%
  • Digital Evidence, 11%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 8%
  • Maintenance Logs, 8%
  • Immunoassay, 5%
Common crime scene analyst skills
  • Physical Evidence, 78%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 11%
  • Crime Scene Investigation, 11%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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