Computer forensics technician vs forensic computer examiner

The differences between computer forensics technicians and forensic computer examiners 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 forensic computer examiner. Additionally, a forensic computer examiner has an average salary of $66,393, 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 forensic computer examiner are digital forensics, extraction, and FTK.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic computer examiner overview

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Computer Examiner
Yearly salary	$50,698	$66,393
Hourly rate	$24.37	$31.92
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	19,018	16,108
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

What does a computer forensics technician do?

A Computer Forensics Technician investigates cases from a digital perspective. They specialize in gathering and analyzing digital evidence from devices such as computers, flash drives, cell phones, tablets, and other technologies. There are also instances where they use special software and tools, recover or retrieve files, and unseal documents while adhering to government laws and regulations. When it comes to employment, they may work for government agencies, law enforcement, or even private investigators.

What does a forensic computer examiner do?

With the arrival of the computer age came a plethora of crimes. Forensic computer examiners collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identify theft. As a forensic computer examiner, you will tackle cyber-crimes. In doing this, you must adhere strictly to the standards of evidence gathering found in general forensic science, being that legal cases depend on the integrity of evidence. Investigative and report writing skills will also be much-needed assets.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic computer examiner salary

Computer forensics technicians and forensic computer examiners have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Computer Examiner
Average salary	$50,698	$66,393
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $65,000	Between $46,000 And $94,000
Highest paying City	Lincoln, NE	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Los Alamos National Laboratory	Booz Allen Hamilton
Best paying industry	Government	Insurance

Differences between computer forensics technician and forensic computer examiner education

There are a few differences between a computer forensics technician and a forensic computer examiner in terms of educational background:

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Computer Examiner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Computer forensics technician vs forensic computer examiner demographics

Here are the differences between computer forensics technicians' and forensic computer examiners' demographics:

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Computer Examiner
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
Race ratio	Black 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, 9.9% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between computer forensics technician and forensic computer examiner 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.

Forensic computer examiner example responsibilities.

Provide polygraph screening to members of the intelligence community (CIA, NRO, NGA, DOD, etc).
Access password protect and secure files.
Collect DNA samples for lab testing.
Prevent imminent disconnection of DoD network to U.S.
Use of LIMS during all aspects of laboratory analysis.
Use chemical reagents to stand out mutilate serial numbers on firearms.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic computer examiner skills

Common computer forensics technician skills

Extraction, 21%
Physical Evidence, 12%
Digital Evidence, 11%
Laboratory Equipment, 8%
Maintenance Logs, 8%
Immunoassay, 5%

Common forensic computer examiner skills

Digital Forensics, 12%
Extraction, 10%
FTK, 9%
Computer Forensics, 7%
DOD, 7%
Forensic Analysis, 7%

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Computer Forensics Technician vs Forensic Computer Examiner

Updated January 8, 2025

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