Computer forensics technician vs technician

The differences between computer forensics technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer forensics technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer forensics technician has an average salary of $50,698, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a computer forensics technician include extraction, physical evidence and digital evidence. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Computer forensics technician vs technician overview

	Computer Forensics Technician	Technician
Yearly salary	$50,698	$38,045
Hourly rate	$24.37	$18.29
Growth rate	11%	1%
Number of jobs	19,018	596,842
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age	38	40
Years of experience	4	2

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 technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Computer forensics technician vs technician salary

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Technician
Average salary	$50,698	$38,045
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $65,000	Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Lincoln, NE	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Hawaii
Best paying company	Los Alamos National Laboratory	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Government	Telecommunication

Differences between computer forensics technician and technician education

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	-

Computer forensics technician vs technician demographics

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

	Computer Forensics Technician	Technician
Average age	38	40
Gender ratio	Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%	Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	2%

Differences between computer forensics technician and technician 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.

Technician example responsibilities.

Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.

Computer forensics technician vs technician skills

Common computer forensics technician skills

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

Common technician skills

Patients, 16%
Customer Service, 14%
Patient Care, 8%
Hand Tools, 6%
Diagnosis, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Computer Forensics Technician
Computer Forensics Technician vs Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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