Fingerprint technician vs computer forensics technician

The differences between fingerprint technicians and computer forensics technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a fingerprint technician and a computer forensics technician. Additionally, a computer forensics technician has an average salary of $50,698, which is higher than the $39,867 average annual salary of a fingerprint technician.

The top three skills for a fingerprint technician include customer service, citizenship and USCIS. The most important skills for a computer forensics technician are extraction, physical evidence, and digital evidence.

Fingerprint technician vs computer forensics technician overview

	Fingerprint Technician	Computer Forensics Technician
Yearly salary	$39,867	$50,698
Hourly rate	$19.17	$24.37
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	23,737	19,018
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

What does a fingerprint technician do?

A Fingerprint Technician specializes in reviewing and classifying fingerprints, processing them according to their purpose. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or employment industry, it typically includes assisting clients in fingerprinting processes, facilitating fingerprint scanning methods, utilizing software to record and organize data, and maintaining an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow. When it comes to employment, a Fingerprint Technician may work for government agencies, law enforcement, and forensic laboratories.

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.

Fingerprint technician vs computer forensics technician salary

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

	Fingerprint Technician	Computer Forensics Technician
Average salary	$39,867	$50,698
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $60,000	Between $39,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	-	Lincoln, NE
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Los Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between fingerprint technician and computer forensics technician education

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

	Fingerprint Technician	Computer Forensics Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Fingerprint technician vs computer forensics technician demographics

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

	Fingerprint Technician	Computer Forensics Technician
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%	Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between fingerprint technician and computer forensics technician duties and responsibilities

Fingerprint technician example responsibilities.

Utilize SharePoint and Accutrac to convert information, by ensuring constant communication with department records coordinator and project leads.
Evaluate ink fingerprints for accuracy and assign fingerprint pattern for entry into AFIS.
Compare fingerprints in the AFIS system to fingerprints on file matching core and minutia.
Transform a drug chemistry laboratory suite into a forensic biology and DNA training suite.
Perform CSI duties (fingerprinting, DNA swabbing, photography, reports, and collection of evidence )
Compose written reports of data collect from patient evaluation and present to department chief for thorough analysis of patient diagnosis.

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.

Fingerprint technician vs computer forensics technician skills

Common fingerprint technician skills

Customer Service, 34%
Citizenship, 25%
USCIS, 20%
Fingerprint Cards, 3%
Process Applicants, 3%
Background Checks, 2%

Common computer forensics technician skills

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

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Fingerprint Technician
Fingerprint Technician vs Computer Forensics Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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