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Computer Forensics Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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Computer Forensics information

See Illinois salary details

$21.5K

$90.2K

$142.2K

How much do computer forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 can you do with a computer forensics degree?

A computer forensics degree prepares individuals for roles in investigating cybercrimes, analyzing digital evidence, and supporting legal proceedings. Graduates often work as digital forensic analysts, incident responders, or cybersecurity specialists, utilizing tools like EnCase or FTK and obtaining certifications such as GCFA or EnCE to enhance job prospects.

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.

Will AI take over digital forensics?

Computer forensics professionals use AI tools to assist in analyzing large volumes of digital evidence more efficiently. While AI can automate certain tasks, human expertise remains essential for interpretation, decision-making, and handling complex cases in digital forensics.

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.

Is computer forensics a good career?

Computer forensics is a specialized field within cybersecurity that involves investigating digital crimes and analyzing electronic evidence. It offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and requires skills in digital tools, programming, and certifications like GCFA or EnCE. The role often involves detailed analysis, report writing, and collaboration with law enforcement or legal teams.

What does a computer forensic do?

A computer forensic professional investigates digital devices to recover, analyze, and preserve electronic evidence for legal or security purposes. They use specialized tools and techniques to examine data, often working closely with law enforcement or legal teams to support investigations and ensure evidence integrity.
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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Forensics jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Forensics job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,172 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Forensic Financial Analyst 24-E-18

Forensic Financial Analyst 24-E-18

Illinois Attorney General (IL)

Springfield, IL

$70K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities Under the direction of the Bureau Chief, the Forensic Financial Analyst will provide analysis and support to civil financial investigations that help identify fraud and breaches of fiduciary duty within charitable organizations. The Forensic Financial Analyst will compile, analyze, and/or audit complex financial records to support investigations and civil enforcement. They will act as a liaison with financial institutions to facilitate records requests and productions; be responsible for reviewing and analyzing multiple sources of information and data; conduct open-source searches to obtain necessary information and records; build financial profiles to identify violations of Illinois' charitable organization laws, trends, and patterns; document investigation activities; and compile and analyze data material, including but not limited to bank records, financial and tax records, invoices, complaint data, digital media, contracts, and grant related information.

The Forensic Financial Analyst will provide input to affidavits and subpoenas, recommend possible investigative steps, and testify in court regarding financial examination of records. Additionally, they will maintain databases, prepare summary exhibits, and reports in support of their testimony; participate in strategic planning sessions with attorneys and be responsible for creating analytic reports, summaries, graphs and charts for use in investigations. Qualifications This position requires a Bachelor's or an advanced degree in accounting, , finance, economics, applied statistics or related field and three years of related work experience in a law enforcement settings, financial analysis, and/or auditing.

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certification or studying towards, is preferred. The ability to demonstrate strong leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills is required. This position also requires a working knowledge of i2 Analyst's Notebook, Bank Scan, and Microsoft products; an ability to demonstrate criminal intelligence analysis; and strong technological skills.

Attendance, flexibility, outstanding written and communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other agencies and OAG employees is required.