Computer forensics technician vs forensic specialist

The differences between computer forensics technicians and forensic 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 forensic specialist. Additionally, a forensic specialist has an average salary of $51,653, 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 specialist are social work, encase, and criminal justice.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic specialist overview

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Specialist
Yearly salary	$50,698	$51,653
Hourly rate	$24.37	$24.83
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	19,018	1,338
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
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 specialist do?

Forensic Specialists analyze and evaluate physical evidence using different analysis methods like chemical, instrumental, microscopic, and physical. They are sometimes required to work with blood and other biological fluids, hair, gunshot residue, etc. Forensic Specialist duties depend on their area of expertise. Some specialists spend their days in a lab; others spend their visiting crime scenes searching for evidence. No matter what specialization they're in, their core responsibilities are to collect, document, preserve, test, and report evidence that is then submitted to those in charge of the case.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic specialist salary

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Specialist
Average salary	$50,698	$51,653
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $65,000	Between $33,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	Lincoln, NE	Santa Monica, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Los Alamos National Laboratory	QED Group
Best paying industry	Government	Government

Differences between computer forensics technician and forensic specialist education

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Computer forensics technician vs forensic specialist demographics

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Forensic Specialist
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%	Male, 49.1% Female, 50.9%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between computer forensics technician and forensic 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.

Forensic specialist example responsibilities.

Manage use and maintenance of company vehicle, surveying equip., cameras, and firearms.
Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
Secure and track any DNA evidence submit for testing.
Examine evidence for the presence of biological material and collect potential DNA samples.
Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
Assess for risk of suicide, homicide, psychosis and other safety concerns.

Computer forensics technician vs forensic specialist skills

Common computer forensics technician skills

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

Common forensic specialist skills

Social Work, 10%
Encase, 8%
Criminal Justice, 8%
Mental Health, 6%
Digital Forensics, 5%
Forensic Interviews, 5%

Computer Forensics Technician vs. similar jobs

Computer Forensics Technician related careers

Computer Forensics Technician related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Computer Forensics Technician
Computer Forensics Technician vs Forensic Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs