How to hire a forensic computer examiner

How to hire a forensic computer examiner, step by step

Here's a step-by-step forensic computer examiner hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a forensic computer examiner job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new forensic computer examiner
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a forensic computer examiner do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your forensic computer examiner job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a forensic computer examiner for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A forensic computer examiner's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, forensic computer examiners from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of forensic computer examiners.

   Type of Forensic Computer Examiner	Description	Hourly rate
   Forensic Computer Examiner	Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis... Show more	$22-45
   Criminalist	A criminalist works in the forensic science or law enforcement field. Their duties depend upon the agency or place they work for, but they are often responsible for conducting crime investigations, studying crime scenes, gathering and examining evidence, processing evidence, and coordinating with investigators... Show more	$17-61
   Crime Scene Technician	A crime scene technician specializes in gathering and processing evidence from crime scenes. They must visit and closely examine crime scenes, find potential clues, gather fingerprints and DNA samples, take photos and videos, recreate the crime scene through sketches or computerized models, and keep records... Show more	$15-38

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Digital Forensics
   • Extraction
   • FTK
   • Computer Forensics
   • DOD
   • Forensic Analysis
   • Forensic Examinations
   • Forensic Tools
   • Incident Response
   • Cellebrite
   • Windows
   • Computer System
   • Data Recovery
   • Encryption

   Check all skills

   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.

   More forensic computer examiner duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your forensic computer examiner job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A forensic computer examiner salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a forensic computer examiner in Tennessee may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level forensic computer examiner usually earns less than a senior-level forensic computer examiner. Additionally, a forensic computer examiner with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average forensic computer examiner salary

   $66,393yearly

   $31.92 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level forensic computer examiner salary

   $46,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average forensic computer examiner salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$95,675	$46
   2	Maryland	$81,488	$39
   3	District of Columbia	$80,909	$39
   4	Florida	$70,108	$34
   5	Virginia	$67,513	$32

   Average forensic computer examiner salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Booz Allen Hamilton	$90,910	$43.71	11
   2	Cipher	$84,496	$40.62	2
   3	Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc.	$79,975	$38.45	7
   4	Pacific Architects and Engineers	$70,918	$34.10
   5	SHINE Systems	$68,510	$32.94	3
   6	Peraton	$68,277	$32.83	19
   7	Baltimore County Golf	$62,952	$30.27
   8	TransPerfect	$60,293	$28.99
   9	Ventura County Community Foundation	$60,109	$28.90
   10	Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania	$51,591	$24.80
   11	County Of Ventura	$46,356	$22.29

4. Writing a forensic computer examiner job description

   A forensic computer examiner job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a forensic computer examiner job description:

   Forensic computer examiner job description example

   Under general direction of the Crime Scene Investigations Commanding Officer, this position is responsible for daily operations of the Latent Fingerprint section of the Forensic Services Division, which entails supervising, scheduling, assigning, training, setting work priorities and conducting performance evaluations of subordinate Forensic Examiners involved in latent fingerprint identification. This position performs and leads others who perform the more difficult and complex cases of fingerprint examination and classification of prints and impressions, and operates all related latent print equipment Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) database of the San Francisco Police Department. All functions are performed in accordance to laws of evidence, criminal procedure, and court procedure and adherence to unit's code of ethics.
   DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
   
   The 8254 Forensic Latent Examiner Supervisor is distinguished from the 8253 Forensic Latent Examiner II class in that the 8254 Forensic Latent Examiner Supervisor functions as a first-line supervisor and advanced latent fingerprint examiner.
   
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
   
   According to Civil Services Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
   
   1. Supervises the activities of subordinate personnel engaged in latent print examination. Plan, assign and evaluate subordinate personnel to ensure conformance with departmental regulations and policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
   
   2. Develop and review division operating procedures.
   
   3. Prepare section for Accreditation.
   
   4. Oversee the general types of tests and examinations to be performed on physical evidence assigned to unit; conduct difficult and complex tests and examinations using developing powders, inks, chemicals, casting materials, photographic equipment or other special equipment.
   
   5. Collect and transport multiple forms of evidence to and from various locations for forensic evaluation and chain of custody documentation and process evidence according to department procedure.
   
   6. Identify, compare and evaluate latent, visible, plastic, and partial finger, palm, foot, or similar type prints or impressions through various mediums or other special equipment for difficult and complex cases in the department.
   
   7. Review case notes and technical reports prepared by subordinate staff; prepare clear and concise case notes and technical reports for department documentation of observations, procedures/techniques and evaluations; maintain regular, modus operandi fingerprint files and various records for department use.
   
   8. Encode and input data into SFPD ABIS, CAL-ID AFIS and FBI ULW / NGI fingerprint systems; use system results and printouts to develop probable suspects list and classify fingerprints for facility of retrieval by the different systems users.
   
   9. Oversee the verification of fingerprint identifications made by other latent examiners, and provide guidance, training and technical assistance to personnel that perform the verification of fingerprint identifications; comply with on-going state and federal mandated training of new and experienced personnel; and adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validating fingerprint processing.
   
   10. Develop and review procedures for the preparation of evidence and exhibits for presentation in court or formal hearings on latent fingerprint examinations, identification and related local criminal history and testify as an expert witness.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right forensic computer examiner for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with forensic computer examiners they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit forensic computer examiners who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your forensic computer examiner job on Zippia to find and recruit forensic computer examiner candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit forensic computer examiners, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new forensic computer examiner

   Once you've decided on a perfect forensic computer examiner candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new forensic computer examiner first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a forensic computer examiner?