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Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Digital Forensics, or a related ... Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Able to work harmoniously and effectively with ...

An Associates Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related. No relocation assistance ... Job Title Cybersecurity Analyst Apprentice Date posted 03-Aug-2026 Job ID 117976 City / Township ...

Advanced Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent professional/military experience) * 3+ years of experience in Incident Response, Incident Analysis, or Computer Forensics * Familiarity with industry standard ...

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Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$81.1K

$125.7K

How much do apprentice computer forensics analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for apprentice computer forensics analyst in Chicago, IL is $81,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an apprentice computer forensics analyst do?

An Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst assists in investigating cybercrimes by collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. They work under the supervision of experienced analysts to recover deleted files, trace unauthorized activity, and document findings for use in legal cases. This role often involves learning specialized software tools and following strict procedures to ensure evidence integrity. Apprentices gain practical experience while developing the technical and analytical skills needed for a career in digital forensics.

What kinds of cases or investigations might an apprentice computer forensics analyst typically work on, and how does this impact their daily responsibilities?

As an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, you will often assist with investigations involving cybercrimes, data breaches, fraud, or internal policy violations. Your daily tasks may include collecting and preserving digital evidence, analyzing hard drives and mobile devices, and preparing detailed reports for senior analysts or law enforcement. You’ll also collaborate closely with IT security teams, legal professionals, and sometimes law enforcement officers. This variety ensures hands-on experience with real-world cases, helping you build a strong foundation in digital evidence handling and investigative processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice computer forensics analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, cybersecurity principles, and investigative techniques, usually supported by relevant coursework or an associate degree in information technology or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, or Autopsy, and knowledge of chain-of-custody procedures, are essential, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council's CHFI can be beneficial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication help you excel when analyzing digital evidence and preparing reports. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately uncovering, preserving, and presenting digital evidence in investigations and legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst vs Computer Forensics Analyst?

AspectApprentice Computer Forensics AnalystComputer Forensics Analyst
CertificationsEntry-level certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Advanced certifications (e.g., GCFA, EnCE)
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSeveral years of experience in digital forensics
Work EnvironmentSupervised training, assisting investigationsIndependent analysis, leading investigations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning tools, basic data recoveryAnalyzing digital evidence, preparing reports

The main difference is that an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst is in training with limited experience and responsibilities, while a Computer Forensics Analyst has more experience, certifications, and independence in handling investigations.

How do you become an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst?

To become an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with foundational knowledge of computer systems and cybersecurity. Relevant skills include understanding digital evidence, using forensic tools, and often pursuing certifications such as the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE). Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level IT roles can also improve prospects in this field.

How much does an Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst make?

An Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and prior experience. Entry-level positions often include training in digital investigation tools and may offer additional benefits as part of the apprenticeship program.

Is computer forensics in demand?

Computer forensics analysts are in increasing demand due to the rise in cybercrime and digital investigations. Employers seek professionals skilled in digital evidence collection, analysis, and tools like EnCase or FTK, often requiring certifications such as GCFA or EnCE. The field offers growth opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and corporate security departments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Computer Forensics Analyst job openings:

Digital Forensic Analyst I

Contact Government Services, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Digital Forensic Analyst
Employment Type: Full-Time, Mid-Level
Department: Forensics   
 
CGS is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation & collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data.  This candidate should be fluent in a broad range of forensic technologies and interested in taking on a primary role in a quickly expanding forensics department. This position will include travel for on-site collection efforts as well as an in-office presence at the primary firm office which includes the forensics lab and data center.  This firm prioritizes a lean-team approach and a very employee-centric culture that encourages professional growth and active roles for all team members.
 
CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
- Perform forensic data collection and basic forensic analysis in both on-site and remote capacity
- Coordinate directly with legal teams/client IT departments to understand project scope
- Maintain forensic tool set by staying current on version updates and new options in the market
- Work closely with project management and other team members on completing complex projects in a fast pace, deadline-driven environment
- Assist in developing, documenting, and refining procedures to accomplish discovery process requirements
- Manage all chain of custody best practices associated with the rules of evidence
- Consistently adhere to standard operating procedures
- Perform quality checks on work products prior to delivering to the client
- Complete additional duties assigned by the manager including general IT functions
 
Qualifications:
- Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably in Digital Forensic Science or Computer Science/Engineering
- 1+ years of relevant experience in where the analyst understands the forensic lifecycle and can properly perform scoping activities, evidence acquisitions on a range of devices, and execute forensic analysis at an intermediate level
- Experience using industry standard forensic tools such as:
- EnCase 
- Cellebrite 
 - Oxygen
 - FTK Imager 
 - MacQuisition
 - X1 Social Discovery
 - Logicube Falcon 
- General understanding of Mac/Windows filesystems, mobile devices, and encryption
- Experience preserving desktops, laptops, mobile devices/tablets, servers, both cloud and on-premise email implementations, nontraditional cloud data sources, social media, etc. in a forensically sound manner
- Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in both verbally and in written format to team members and technical/non-technical clients
- Ability to work extended hours when necessary to ensure client deadlines are met
- Ability to demonstrate superior organizational skills with acute attention to detail
- Must be willing to travel regularly on short notice; must have a valid passport for occasional international travel
- Must be an energetic self-starter who can work within a team environment but also independently as the situation requires
- Ability to document forensic workflows based on sound industry practice
- Willingness to develop/train other team members to increase the group’s overall knowledge base as well as cultivate secondary resources to assist in larger collection events
- Strong troubleshooting skills coupled with the ability to solve on the fly to solve complex problems
 
Ideally, you will also have:
- Understanding of the electronic discovery reference model (EDRM)
- Possess at least one industry-standard certification (EnCE, CCE, CCFE, GCFE, GCFA, CCO, CCPA, CCME, etc.)
- General knowledge of litigation support applications (e.g. Relativity, Concordance, Nuix, LAW PreDiscovery, etc.)
- Experience working with structured data exported from various platforms including analysis, custom scripting, and data manipulation to develop reports for client use
- Understanding of (Robo/Rich) copy tools, BAT (PowerShell) scripting, and Active Directory
- Experience with scripting, programming/coding, and database languages (SQL, VB, HTML, Access)
 
Our Commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of government innovation!
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.comDigital Forensic Analyst
Employment Type: Full-Time, Mid-Level
Department: Forensics   
 
CGS is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation & collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data.  This candidate should be fluent in a broad range of forensic technologies and interested in taking on a primary role in a quickly expanding forensics department. This position will include travel for on-site collection efforts as well as an in-office presence at the primary firm office which includes the forensics lab and data center.  This firm prioritizes a lean-team approach and a very employee-centric culture that encourages professional growth and active roles for all team members.
 
CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
- Perform forensic data collection and basic forensic analysis in both on-site and remote capacity
- Coordinate directly with legal teams/client IT departments to understand project scope
- Maintain forensic tool set by staying current on version updates and new options in the market
- Work closely with project management and other team members on completing complex projects in a fast pace, deadline-driven environment
- Assist in developing, documenting, and refining procedures to accomplish discovery process requirements
- Manage all chain of custody best practices associated with the rules of evidence
- Consistently adhere to standard operating procedures
- Perform quality checks on work products prior to delivering to the client
- Complete additional duties assigned by the manager including general IT functions
 
Qualifications:
- Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably in Digital Forensic Science or Computer Science/Engineering
- 1+ years of relevant experience in where the analyst understands the forensic lifecycle and can properly perform scoping activities, evidence acquisitions on a range of devices, and execute forensic analysis at an intermediate level
- Experience using industry standard forensic tools such as:
- EnCase 
- Cellebrite 
 - Oxygen
 - FTK Imager 
 - MacQuisition
 - X1 Social Discovery
 - Logicube Falcon 
- General understanding of Mac/Windows filesystems, mobile devices, and encryption
- Experience preserving desktops, laptops, mobile devices/tablets, servers, both cloud and on-premise email implementations, nontraditional cloud data sources, social media, etc. in a forensically sound manner
- Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in both verbally and in written format to team members and technical/non-technical clients
- Ability to work extended hours when necessary to ensure client deadlines are met
- Ability to demonstrate superior organizational skills with acute attention to detail
- Must be willing to travel regularly on short notice; must have a valid passport for occasional international travel
- Must be an energetic self-starter who can work within a team environment but also independently as the situation requires
- Ability to document forensic workflows based on sound industry practice
- Willingness to develop/train other team members to increase the group’s overall knowledge base as well as cultivate secondary resources to assist in larger collection events
- Strong troubleshooting skills coupled with the ability to solve on the fly to solve complex problems
 
Ideally, you will also have:
- Understanding of the electronic discovery reference model (EDRM)
- Possess at least one industry-standard certification (EnCE, CCE, CCFE, GCFE, GCFA, CCO, CCPA, CCME, etc.)
- General knowledge of litigation support applications (e.g. Relativity, Concordance, Nuix, LAW PreDiscovery, etc.)
- Experience working with structured data exported from various platforms including analysis, custom scripting, and data manipulation to develop reports for client use
- Understanding of (Robo/Rich) copy tools, BAT (PowerShell) scripting, and Active Directory
- Experience with scripting, programming/coding, and database languages (SQL, VB, HTML, Access)
 
Our Commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of government innovation!
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.com
 
#CJ

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.