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Computer Forensics Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

... forensics. * Residency in Midwest region of United States is required. * Requires active ... Computer skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). * A desire to learn, excel and grow with us ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

... forensics. * Residency in Midwest region of United States is required. * Requires active ... Computer skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). * A desire to learn, excel and grow with us ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

... forensics. * Residency in Midwest region of United States is required. * Requires active ... Computer skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). * A desire to learn, excel and grow with us ...

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All JobsComputer Forensics JobsComputer Forensics Jobs in Illinois

Computer Forensics information

See Illinois salary details

$21.5K

$90.2K

$142.2K

How much do computer forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics in Illinois is $90,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,403.00 and $121,530.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in computer forensics and how can they be addressed?

Computer forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted data, rapidly evolving technology, and maintaining the integrity of digital evidence. Staying current with emerging tools and techniques is crucial, as is meticulous documentation to ensure evidence is admissible in court. Collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT departments is also essential to overcome technical hurdles and ensure a thorough investigation.

What is computer forensics?

Computer forensics, also known as digital forensics, is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence from computers and other electronic devices. Professionals in this field investigate cybercrimes, recover lost data, and provide evidence for legal cases involving digital information. They use specialized tools and techniques to ensure that the evidence remains authentic and admissible in court. Computer forensics experts often work with law enforcement, government agencies, or private companies to uncover digital footprints and solve technology-related crimes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Forensics Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Forensics Specialist, you need expertise in digital evidence collection, data analysis, and a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools like EnCase, FTK, and certification such as Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication are essential soft skills for accurately interpreting and reporting findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring digital evidence is preserved, analyzed, and presented effectively in legal or investigative contexts.

What is the difference between Computer Forensics vs Digital Forensics?

AspectComputer ForensicsDigital Forensics
CertificationsEnCE, GCFAEnCE, GCFA
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, corporate security, consultingLaw enforcement, legal, corporate investigations
Industry UsagePrimarily in cybersecurity and law enforcementBroader, including digital crime, legal cases, and incident response

Computer Forensics and Digital Forensics are closely related fields that often overlap. Computer Forensics focuses on analyzing computers and storage devices, while Digital Forensics covers a wider range of digital media and devices. Both roles require similar certifications and are used in law enforcement and corporate settings. The main difference lies in scope: Computer Forensics is more specific to computers, whereas Digital Forensics includes all digital evidence.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois? For Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Forensics jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Forensics jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Forensics job openings:
Computer Forensics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,172 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Supervisory Forensic Investigative Analyst CTAP/ICTAP/LAND MGMT/VEOA

Criminal Investigation & Law Enforcement | IRS Careers

Chicago, IL

$140K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

WHAT IS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • CI

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the next lower level within the payband or GS grade in the normal line of progression in the Federal service that demonstrates the required managerial skills and technical competence required to perform the job. To be qualifying for this position your experience must include:

  • Experience that demonstrated management/leadership experience such as applying management techniques, methods, theories, principles, or labor relations concepts for the accomplishment of all program objectives with combined technical and administrative oversight. This experience may have been gained through work experience as a project/program manager, team lead or project/program lead, technical advisor, or senior specialist/analyst that included managing resources, providing support to managers, mentoring team members, providing day-to-day guidance training and/or oversight of peers or others.
  • Experience applying regulations, other official guidance and principles, including the latest procedures and techniques sufficient to oversee the planning, development and implementation of the technical aspects of programs specific to the position being filled.
  • Experience applying communicative techniques to effectively and diplomatically interact with internal and external customers.
  • Experience applying evidentiary standards, emerging technologies, relevant forensic methodologies, and legal requirements governing forensic practices.
  • Experience with complex forensic casework that spans multiple forensic disciplines, ensuring proper coordination, quality control, and analytic integration across forensic operations.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • PERFORMANCE RATING: Current federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.
Go to Understanding the IRS Paybands for GS/IR conversion.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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