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Computer Forensics Jobs in Salinas, CA (NOW HIRING)

SOC Analyst I

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$38.72 - $40/hr

Working understanding of computer forensic techniques and methodologies. * This team operates in a 24/7 shift environment. The SOC Analyst I will provide support Monday - Thursday, 6:45am - 5:15pm ...

Working understanding of computer forensic techniques and methodologies. * This team operates in a 24/7 shift environment. The SOC Analyst I will provide support Monday - Thursday, 6:45am - 5:15pm ...

At least three (3) years of professional experience in incident detection and response, malware analysis, or cyber forensics and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ...

SOC Analyst II

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$39 - $44/hr

At least three (3) years of professional experience in incident detection and response, malware analysis, or cyber forensics and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ...

Incident Handler Tier 2

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$98K - $109K/yr

At least three (3) years of professional experience in incident detection and response, malware analysis, or cyber forensics, and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ...

At least three (3) years of professional experience in incident detection and response, malware analysis, or cyber forensics, and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ...

Incident Handler Tier 2

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$98K - $109K/yr

At least three (3) years of professional experience in incident detection and response, malware analysis, or cyber forensics, and a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ...

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Computer Forensics information

See Salinas, CA salary details

$25.3K

$106.1K

$167.3K

How much do computer forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer forensics in Salinas, CA is $106,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,015.00 and $143,002.00 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 CFCE or GCFA. The field requires attention to detail, knowledge of computer systems, and adherence to legal standards.

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?

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 EnCE or GCFA. The role often involves detailed analysis, report writing, and collaboration with law enforcement or legal teams.

How much do computer forensics get paid?

Computer forensics specialists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications such as Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE). Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills and security clearances can earn higher salaries, especially in government or private sectors with complex investigations. Salary also varies by geographic location and the size of the organization.
What job categories do people searching Computer Forensics jobs in Salinas, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Forensics jobs in Salinas, CA are:
What cities near Salinas, CA are hiring for Computer Forensics jobs? Cities near Salinas, CA with the most Computer Forensics job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Forensics job openings in Salinas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,104 per year, or $51 per hour.

SOC Analyst I

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Monterey, CA โ€ข On-site

$38.72 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Overview
Now Hiring at AMERICAN SYSTEMS
Epsilon, Inc. has joined AMERICAN SYSTEMS! As one organization, we offer expanded resources, streamlined operations, and increased opportunities for growth and development.
Join us to be part of a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to innovation and customer success.
Responsibilities
An average day:
As the SOC Analyst I, you will provide tier I cybersecurity support in a SOC environment by tracking and reporting cyber security threats, events, and incidents. You will be expected to perform threat analysis and investigate security incidents. In the event of an incident, you will identify the source of the incident, determine the scope of the incident, and assess the impact of the incident. You will be responsible for providing initial response and containment measures, as well as escalating incidents to higher tiers if necessary. You will report to the Incident Handler Principle and work closely with other Tier I and Tier II personnel to effectively and efficiently provide optimum service to our customers. Additionally, IN this position you will:
  • Use intrusion detection technologies to apply techniques for identifying host and network-based
  • Create, update, and resolve incident tickets that have been tasked to Tier I and appropriately document all alerts and incidents in the ticketing
  • Create new incident tickets for alerts that signal an incident requiring escalation for Tier 2 review.
  • Identify, capture, contain, and report malware to protect networks (e.g., NIPS, anti-malware, restrict/prevent external devices, spam filters).
  • Recognize and categorize types of vulnerabilities and associated
  • Utilize the SOC standard operating procedures (SOP) to perform daily tasks, resolve incidents and preserve evidence integrity. May provide input for and assist with updating procedures.
  • Perform damage assessments, secure network communications, and use security event correlation
  • Utilize the SOC checklist when reviewing the latest alerts and events from various SOC sensors to determine relevancy and urgency.
  • Review open source and other sources of information to identify events that should be transitioned into the incident response process.
  • Under supervision, may manage and configure security monitoring tools (SIEM, IDS, Firewall, Access Control Lists, etc.) to mitigate existing threats and vulnerabilities.
  • May assist with the design of incident response for cloud service models.

Qualifications
  • As a requirement of this position, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen. In accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(2)(C) , we will not consider candidates for this position who do not meet the aforementioned conditions.
  • Must hold an active DOW Interim Secret or Secret Clearance
  • Must hold at least one certification as required by Dept. of War (DoW) 8570.01-M and Department of War Directive 8140.01, IAT Level II or Higher OR have the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
  • Must hold at least one of the following certifications or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire: CompTIA CySA+, EC-Council CEH, GIAC GCIA, Microsoft AZ 900, Palo Alto Networks PCCET, or Splunk Core Certified Advanced Power User
  • Must have a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in networking, UNIX/Linux system administration, software engineering, or software development.
  • Will accept a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, or related field in place of the 1 year of experience.
  • Knowledge of or experience with some of the following:
    • Computer networking concepts, OSI model, and network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services, and network security
    • Host/network access control mechanisms (e.g., access control list, capabilities lists).
    • Network traffic analysis methods an packet-level
    • Cyber threats and vulnerabilities; cyber-attack stages, classes of attacks and attackers; cyber defense and information security policies, procedures, and
    • Incident response and handling methodologies, incident categories, and timelines for
    • Intrusion detection methodologies and techniques for detecting host and network-based intrusions.
    • Malware analysis concepts and methodologies.
    • System administration, network, and operating system hardening techniques as well as data backup and
  • Proficient in at least one programming language.
  • Working understanding of computer forensic techniques and methodologies.
  • This team operates in a 24/7 shift environment. The SOC Analyst I will provide support Monday - Thursday, 6:45am - 5:15pm PST.

Pay Transparency Statement
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $38.72/Hr. - USD $40/Hr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status