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Forensic specialist vs forensic computer examiner

The differences between forensic specialists and forensic computer examiners 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 specialist and a forensic computer examiner. Additionally, a forensic computer examiner has an average salary of $66,393, which is higher than the $51,653 average annual salary of a forensic specialist.

The top three skills for a forensic specialist include social work, encase and criminal justice. The most important skills for a forensic computer examiner are digital forensics, extraction, and FTK.

Forensic specialist vs forensic computer examiner overview

Forensic SpecialistForensic Computer Examiner
Yearly salary$51,653$66,393
Hourly rate$24.83$31.92
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs1,33816,108
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age3838
Years of experience44

What does a forensic specialist do?

Forensic Specialists analyze and evaluate physical evidence using different analysis methods like chemical, instrumental, microscopic, and physical. They are sometimes required to work with blood and other biological fluids, hair, gunshot residue, etc. Forensic Specialist duties depend on their area of expertise. Some specialists spend their days in a lab; others spend their visiting crime scenes searching for evidence. No matter what specialization they're in, their core responsibilities are to collect, document, preserve, test, and report evidence that is then submitted to those in charge of the case.

What does a forensic computer examiner do?

With the arrival of the computer age came a plethora of crimes. Forensic computer examiners collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identify theft. As a forensic computer examiner, you will tackle cyber-crimes. In doing this, you must adhere strictly to the standards of evidence gathering found in general forensic science, being that legal cases depend on the integrity of evidence. Investigative and report writing skills will also be much-needed assets.

Forensic specialist vs forensic computer examiner salary

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

Forensic SpecialistForensic Computer Examiner
Average salary$51,653$66,393
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $79,000Between $46,000 And $94,000
Highest paying CitySanta Monica, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyQED GroupBooz Allen Hamilton
Best paying industryGovernmentInsurance

Differences between forensic specialist and forensic computer examiner education

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

Forensic SpecialistForensic Computer Examiner
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Forensic specialist vs forensic computer examiner demographics

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

Forensic SpecialistForensic Computer Examiner
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 49.1% Female, 50.9%Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between forensic specialist and forensic computer examiner duties and responsibilities

Forensic specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage use and maintenance of company vehicle, surveying equip., cameras, and firearms.
  • Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
  • Secure and track any DNA evidence submit for testing.
  • Examine evidence for the presence of biological material and collect potential DNA samples.
  • Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
  • Assess for risk of suicide, homicide, psychosis and other safety concerns.
    • Show more

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.
    • Show more

Forensic specialist vs forensic computer examiner skills

Common forensic specialist skills
  • Social Work, 10%
  • Encase, 8%
  • Criminal Justice, 8%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Digital Forensics, 5%
  • Forensic Interviews, 5%
Common forensic computer examiner skills
  • Digital Forensics, 12%
  • Extraction, 10%
  • FTK, 9%
  • Computer Forensics, 7%
  • DOD, 7%
  • Forensic Analysis, 7%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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