Forensic computer examiner vs forensic ballistics expert

The differences between forensic computer examiners and forensic ballistics experts 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 forensic ballistics expert. Additionally, a forensic computer examiner has an average salary of $66,393, which is higher than the $64,737 average annual salary of a forensic ballistics expert.

The top three skills for a forensic computer examiner include digital forensics, extraction and FTK. The most important skills for a forensic ballistics expert are litigation, cyber security, and encase.

Forensic computer examiner vs forensic ballistics expert overview

	Forensic Computer Examiner	Forensic Ballistics Expert
Yearly salary	$66,393	$64,737
Hourly rate	$31.92	$31.12
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	16,108	8,905
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Forensic computer examiner vs forensic ballistics expert salary

Forensic computer examiners and forensic ballistics experts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Computer Examiner	Forensic Ballistics Expert
Average salary	$66,393	$64,737
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $94,000	Between $36,000 And $116,000
Highest paying City	Santa Rosa, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Booz Allen Hamilton	-
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between forensic computer examiner and forensic ballistics expert education

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

	Forensic Computer Examiner	Forensic Ballistics Expert
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Forensic computer examiner vs forensic ballistics expert demographics

Here are the differences between forensic computer examiners' and forensic ballistics experts' demographics:

	Forensic Computer Examiner	Forensic Ballistics Expert
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%	Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%
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, 6.8% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.4% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between forensic computer examiner and forensic ballistics expert 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.

Forensic ballistics expert example responsibilities.

Manage use and maintenance of company vehicle, surveying equip., cameras, and firearms.
Provide computer forensics, litigation and regulatory support, including expert testimony.
Perform in-depth forensic analysis of Macintosh computer hard drives and prepare expert report for use in ongoing litigation.
Perform function tests on submit firearms and collect standards for microscopic comparisons.

Forensic computer examiner vs forensic ballistics expert skills

Common forensic computer examiner skills

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

Common forensic ballistics expert skills

Litigation, 42%
Cyber Security, 23%
Encase, 15%
E-Discovery, 13%
Security Practices, 7%

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Forensic Computer Examiner
Forensic Computer Examiner vs Forensic Ballistics Expert

Updated January 8, 2025

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