ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Digital Forensics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDigital Forensics JobsDigital Forensics Jobs in California

Digital Forensics information

See California salary details

$10

$28

$65

How much do digital forensics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for digital forensics in California is $28.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Digital Forensics vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDigital ForensicsCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, EnCECISSP, Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, labs, legal settingsNetwork monitoring, threat analysis, incident response
Industry UsageLegal cases, law enforcement, corporate investigationsProtecting networks, preventing attacks, risk management

Digital Forensics focuses on collecting and analyzing digital evidence for legal or investigative purposes, often working in labs or legal settings. Cybersecurity Analysts primarily defend networks and systems from cyber threats, monitoring for vulnerabilities and responding to incidents. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How much do digital forensics get paid?

Digital forensics professionals typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start around $50,000, while experienced specialists with advanced skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in cybersecurity environments.

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

To thrive as a Digital Forensics professional, you need expertise in computer science, investigative techniques, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like GCFA or EnCE. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and X-Ways, as well as experience handling various operating systems and data recovery procedures, is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, thorough analysis, and effective collaboration with legal and law enforcement teams in complex investigations.

Will AI take over digital forensics?

Digital forensics professionals use AI tools to assist in analyzing large volumes of data and identifying patterns more efficiently. While AI can automate certain tasks, human expertise remains essential for interpretation, decision-making, and handling complex cases. AI is a complement, not a replacement, for skilled digital forensics investigators.

What are some common challenges faced by digital forensics professionals during investigations?

Digital forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as encrypted data, rapidly evolving technology, and the need to maintain a strict chain of custody for evidence. They must stay current with new digital devices and platforms, as cybercriminals frequently use advanced techniques to hide or delete data. Additionally, collaborating with law enforcement, legal teams, and IT departments requires clear communication and adherence to legal protocols to ensure evidence is admissible in court.

What jobs can you get with digital forensics?

Digital forensics professionals can pursue roles such as digital forensic analyst, cybercrime investigator, incident response specialist, or cybersecurity analyst. These jobs typically require skills in data recovery, malware analysis, and familiarity with forensic tools like EnCase or FTK, often supported by certifications such as GCFA or EnCE.

Is digital forensics a good career?

Digital forensics is a growing field that involves investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence using specialized tools and techniques. It offers opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and private companies, often requiring certifications like GCFA or EnCE. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology, problem-solving, and legal processes, with steady demand and potential for advancement.

What is digital forensics?

Digital forensics is the process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence found on electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and networks. This field is crucial in both criminal investigations and civil litigation, helping uncover evidence of cybercrimes, data breaches, or unauthorized activities. Digital forensic experts use specialized tools and techniques to recover deleted or hidden data while ensuring the integrity of the evidence is maintained for legal proceedings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Forensics jobs in California? The most popular types of Digital Forensics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Digital Forensics jobs in California? For Digital Forensics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digital Forensics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Digital Forensics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Digital Forensics jobs? Cities in California with the most Digital Forensics job openings:
Digital Forensics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digital Forensics job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,943 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst

Eliassen Group

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$34 - $39/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

On-site in Orange County, CA

Our client seeks a Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst to support a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center. The analyst will conduct digital media forensics, contribute to incident response, maintain and enhance the SOC forensics program, and produce clear technical reporting. The role includes shift rotations, weekend coverage, and some holidays. The initial period of performance is roughly six months with training on a day shift. Candidates must meet background clearance requirements and hold a relevant forensics certification.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $34.00 to $39.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary liaison for forensics analysis tasks including analysis of digital media devices to identify, reverse engineer, and de-obfuscate content related to a security incident.
  • Maintain the Digital Forensics Program for the SOC, including process enhancements and upskilling the team with drafted technical reports.
  • Support SOC operational duties for networks and systems during security incidents.
  • Augment cyber threat intelligence development and reporting generated from forensics investigations.
  • Identify, develop, and implement automation tasks for the SOC Forensics Program.
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend new security tools, techniques, and technologies aligned to IT security strategy.
  • Use COTS/GOTS and custom tools and procedures to scan, identify, contain, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities and intrusions.
  • Perform analyses to validate established security requirements and recommend additional safeguards.
  • Provide occasional briefings to senior staff on forensics investigation results.
Experience Requirements:
  • Programming with Python, C++, or JavaScript.
  • Evidence acquisition and Chain of Custody process.
  • Host, cloud, identity, and network forensics experience.
  • Packet capture, volatile memory, suspicious script analysis, and forensics experience.
  • Familiarity with physical device imaging software and digital forensics software.
  • Knowledge of IDS/IPS, firewalls, and anti-malware technologies.
  • Incident response experience.
  • Experience analyzing security alerts via Microsoft Sentinel SIEM or similar SIEM tools.
  • Malware analysis technical report writing.
  • Adherence to SOC Standard Operating Procedures.
Education Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Two years of related experience is highly preferred. Additional experience may substitute for education. Relevant certification required: Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE), Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE), Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE), GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), or similar certification. Required background screenings include County Live Scan, Child Support Services background clearance, and County Probation background.
Recruitment Transparency Notice
 
Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team (noreply@eliassen.com, 781-808-2924) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.
 

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following:

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact fraud@eliassen.com.

 
About Eliassen Group:
 
Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.
 
Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.
 
Don’t miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!
 
Eliassen Group logo

About Eliassen Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eliassen Group provides strategic consulting and talent solutions to drive our clients' innovation and business results. Our purpose is to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities in which we operate. Leveraging over 30 years of success, our expertise in talent solutions, life sciences consulting, Agile consulting, cloud services, risk management, business optimization, and managed services enables us to partner with our clients to execute their business strategy and scale effectively. Headquartered in Reading, MA, and with offices from coast to coast, Eliassen Group offers local community presence and deep networks, as well as national reach.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reading, MA, US

Year founded

1989

View All Eliassen Group Jobs