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Computer forensics technician salary
Average computer forensics technician salary
$50,698
Understanding the Salary of a Computer Forensics Technician
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Computer Forensics Technician is $50,698 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This salary can vary based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and specific industry. For instance, technicians working in metropolitan areas often earn higher wages due to increased demand and cost of living.
In terms of job opportunities, computer forensics technicians can find positions in various fields, including law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and corporate security departments. Some of the highest-paying states for this role include California, Texas, and New York. Additionally, those with specialized skills in cybersecurity or advanced certifications may command even higher salaries.
Salary Estimates Across Different States
When analyzing the average salaries across different states, it's important to consider local market conditions. For example, states with a high concentration of technology companies often offer better compensation packages. This trend indicates that computer forensics is not just a viable career but also one with significant growth potential in today's job market.
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Where can a Computer Forensics Technician earn more?
Computer forensics technician salary estimates from across the web
Average computer forensics technician salary by state
The average computer forensics technician salary in Alaska, North Dakota, and Utah are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average computer forensics technician salary states are Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for computer forensics technicians
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $87,396 | $42.02 |
| 2 | Utah | $75,131 | $36.12 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $70,121 | $33.71 |
| 4 | Missouri | $73,249 | $35.22 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $74,085 | $35.62 |
| 6 | Maine | $61,136 | $29.39 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $62,962 | $30.27 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $63,874 | $30.71 |
| 9 | Delaware | $64,053 | $30.79 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| 11 | North Dakota | $76,099 | $36.59 |
| 12 | West Virginia | $60,913 | $29.29 |
| 13 | Vermont | $59,376 | $28.55 |
| 14 | Maryland | $63,199 | $30.38 |
| 15 | Massachusetts | $61,995 | $29.81 |
| 16 | Montana | $59,967 | $28.83 |
| 17 | Nevada | $58,052 | $27.91 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $55,606 | $26.73 |
| 19 | Ohio | $60,915 | $29.29 |
| 20 | Washington | $64,572 | $31.04 |
| 21 | South Dakota | $58,818 | $28.28 |
| 22 | California | $66,906 | $32.17 |
| 23 | Colorado | $57,545 | $27.67 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $55,387 | $26.63 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $57,777 | $27.78 |
| 26 | New Jersey | $59,365 | $28.54 |
| 27 | Illinois | $57,315 | $27.56 |
| 28 | Minnesota | $56,291 | $27.06 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $57,013 | $27.41 |
| 30 | Hawaii | $53,145 | $25.55 |
| 31 | District of Columbia | $62,749 | $30.17 |
| 32 | Iowa | $52,554 | $25.27 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $53,854 | $25.89 |
| 34 | New York | $51,805 | $24.91 |
| 35 | Louisiana | $54,599 | $26.25 |
| 36 | Oregon | $55,184 | $26.53 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $48,829 | $23.48 |
| 38 | Virginia | $50,781 | $24.41 |
| 39 | Arizona | $49,923 | $24.00 |
| 40 | Indiana | $48,285 | $23.21 |
| 41 | Alabama | $47,796 | $22.98 |
| 42 | Idaho | $49,832 | $23.96 |
| 43 | Michigan | $45,058 | $21.66 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | $41,235 | $19.82 |
| 45 | Texas | $47,091 | $22.64 |
| 46 | North Carolina | $39,299 | $18.89 |
| 47 | Tennessee | $41,381 | $19.89 |
| 48 | Florida | $38,662 | $18.59 |
| 49 | Georgia | $40,424 | $19.43 |
| 50 | Kansas | $40,303 | $19.38 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $41,090 | $19.75 |
Highest paying cities for computer forensics technicians
The highest-paying cities for computer forensics technicians are Lincoln, NE, San Mateo, CA, and Farmington, CT.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln, NE | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| 2 | San Mateo, CA | $69,567 | $33.45 |
| 3 | Farmington, CT | $63,427 | $30.49 |
| 4 | Washington, DC | $62,768 | $30.18 |
| 5 | Saint Paul, MN | $56,327 | $27.08 |
| 6 | Columbia, SC | $55,601 | $26.73 |
| 7 | Ankeny, IA | $52,458 | $25.22 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $52,367 | $25.18 |
| 9 | San Antonio, TX | $46,790 | $22.50 |
| 10 | Sterling Heights, MI | $45,362 | $21.81 |
| 11 | Memphis, TN | $41,059 | $19.74 |
| 12 | Little Rock, AR | $40,878 | $19.65 |
| 13 | Raleigh, NC | $39,771 | $19.12 |
| 14 | Gainesville, FL | $39,346 | $18.92 |
Computer forensics technician salary details
A computer forensics technician's salary ranges from $39,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $65,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a computer forensics technician's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $65,000 | $5,417 | $31 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,000 | $4,833 | $28 |
| Average | $50,698 | $4,225 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 | $19 |
Highest paying computer forensics technician jobs
The highest paying types of computer forensics technicians are forensic scientist, forensic toxicologist, and criminalist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminalist | $68,152 | $5,679 | $32.77 | 14,872 |
| Forensic Computer Examiner | $66,393 | $5,533 | $31.92 | 16,108 |
| Forensic Investigator | $52,267 | $4,356 | $25.13 | 5,032 |
| Forensic Scientist | $71,351 | $5,946 | $34.30 | 43,335 |
| Technician | $38,045 | $3,170 | $18.29 | 596,842 |
| Fingerprint Technician | $39,867 | $3,322 | $19.17 | 23,737 |
Top companies hiring computer forensics technicians now:
Which companies pay computer forensics technicians the most?
Computer forensics technician salaries at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average computer forensics technician salary at companies like Red River Bancshares and State of Connecticut are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Alamos National Laboratory | $68,874 | $33.11 |
| 2 | Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | $55,070 | $26.48 |
| 3 | Red River Bancshares | $54,756 | $26.32 |
| 4 | State of Connecticut | $54,124 | $26.02 |
| 5 | County of San Joaquin, CA | $52,997 | $25.48 |
| 6 | State of West Virginia | $51,501 | $24.76 |
| 7 | City of Gainesville | $51,488 | $24.75 |
| 8 | ABBTECH | $49,608 | $23.85 |
| 9 | S.C. Department of Commerce | $48,167 | $23.16 |
| 10 | Michigan State Police | $47,975 | $23.06 |
| 11 | Iowa State Association of Counties | $47,961 | $23.06 |
| 12 | Ada County | $47,775 | $22.97 |
| 13 | University of Tennessee | $47,537 | $22.85 |
| 14 | NC.gov | $47,238 | $22.71 |
| 15 | State Of Florida | $47,068 | $22.63 |
| 16 | Florida Department of Transportation | $45,105 | $21.69 |
| 17 | Forensic Analytical | $45,009 | $21.64 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Computer forensics technician salary trends
The average computer forensics technician salary has risen by $7,037 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average computer forensics technician earned $43,661 annually, but today, they earn $50,698 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for computer forensics technicians over the last decade.
Compare computer forensics technician salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average computer forensics technician salary over time
Compare computer forensics technician salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Computer forensics technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,700 | $24.37 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $49,500 | $23.79 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $48,700 | $23.42 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $48,400 | $23.27 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $47,500 | $22.83 | +0.8% |
Recently added computer forensics technician salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County of Fresno (Ca | Forensic Autopsy Technician (Extra-Help) | Fresno, CA | 06/26/2025 | $45,474 |
| Maricopa County | Forensic Technician (Float) | Phoenix, AZ | 06/21/2025 | $43,827 |
| Spokane County, Wa | Forensic Technician (Civil Service) | Spokane, WA | 06/05/2025 | $60,650 |
| State of Virginia | Forensic Autopsy Technician (Cdx05) | Manassas, VA | 05/23/2025 | $46,958 |
| DHRM | Forensic Autopsy Technician (Mex39) | Manassas, VA | 05/22/2025 | $45,914 |
| Village of Schaumburg (Il | Forensic Technician (Police Property and Evidence Room) (13897) | Schaumburg, IL | 05/08/2025 | $58,311 |
| State of Florida | Forensic Technologist | Havana, FL | 03/29/2025 | $39,000 |
| State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services | Forensic Technician Hour) | Farmington, CT | 02/26/2025 | $41,515 |
| Crime Scene Investigator | Forensic Technician I | Los Angeles, CA | 02/19/2025 | $56,711 |
| Crime Scene Investigator | Forensic Technician | Memphis, TN | 02/17/2025 | $43,097 |
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