Forensic computer examiner vs dna analyst

The differences between forensic computer examiners and dna analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a forensic computer examiner and a dna analyst. Additionally, a forensic computer examiner has an average salary of $66,393, which is higher than the $55,294 average annual salary of a dna analyst.

The top three skills for a forensic computer examiner include digital forensics, extraction and FTK. The most important skills for a dna analyst are extraction, dna analysis, and lab equipment.

Forensic computer examiner vs dna analyst overview

	Forensic Computer Examiner	DNA Analyst
Yearly salary	$66,393	$55,294
Hourly rate	$31.92	$26.58
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	16,108	12,410
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Forensic computer examiner vs dna analyst salary

Forensic computer examiners and dna analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Computer Examiner	DNA Analyst
Average salary	$66,393	$55,294
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $94,000	Between $37,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City	Santa Rosa, CA	Dover, DE
Highest paying state	Alaska	Mississippi
Best paying company	Booz Allen Hamilton	InfosysPublicService
Best paying industry	Insurance	Health Care

Differences between forensic computer examiner and dna analyst education

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

	Forensic Computer Examiner	DNA Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Biology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Stanford University

Forensic computer examiner vs dna analyst demographics

Here are the differences between forensic computer examiners' and dna analysts' demographics:

	Forensic Computer Examiner	DNA Analyst
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%	Male, 30.5% Female, 69.5%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between forensic computer examiner and dna analyst duties and responsibilities

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.

Dna analyst example responsibilities.

Ensure CODIS sample preparation and organic extraction of DNA daily metrics are achieved and maintain.
Address CODIS software and network issues throughout Wisconsin.
Monitor quality of reagents in a LIMS tracking system.
Process convict offender DNA profiles for entry into CODIS.
Collect data from the capillary electrophoresis machine and interpret the ladders, controls and data for each sample.
Train to use standard operating procedures and policy and procedure to analyze capillary electrophoresis data for several different clients.

Forensic computer examiner vs dna analyst skills

Common forensic computer examiner skills

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

Common dna analyst skills

Extraction, 10%
DNA Analysis, 10%
Lab Equipment, 8%
Proficiency Testing, 8%
Lims, 7%
ABI, 7%

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Forensic Computer Examiner vs DNA Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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