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Computer forensics technician vs crime scene specialist

The differences between computer forensics technicians and crime scene specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a crime scene specialist has an average salary of $58,467, 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 specialist are physical evidence, evidence collection, and patrol.

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene specialist overview

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Specialist
Yearly salary$50,698$58,467
Hourly rate$24.37$28.11
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs19,018283
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age3838
Years of experience44

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene specialist salary

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

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Specialist
Average salary$50,698$58,467
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $65,000Between $36,000 And $92,000
Highest paying CityLincoln, NE-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyLos Alamos National Laboratory-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between computer forensics technician and crime scene specialist education

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

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene specialist demographics

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

Computer Forensics TechnicianCrime Scene Specialist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 47.1% Female, 52.9%Male, 45.8% Female, 54.2%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 8.5% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between computer forensics technician and crime scene specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer information in customer management systems CIV.
  • Collect evidence using various collection and detection methods including photography, ALS and chemical processing.
  • Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Computer forensics technician vs crime scene specialist 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 specialist skills
  • Physical Evidence, 46%
  • Evidence Collection, 13%
  • Patrol, 12%
  • Latent Prints, 5%
  • Diagramming, 5%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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