2

Entry Level Digital Forensics Jobs in California

Entry Level Digital Forensics information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$75.6K

$128.3K

How much do entry level digital forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level digital forensics in California is $75,635.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the easiest forensic job to get?

Entry-level digital forensics positions are generally considered the easiest to obtain, especially those that require basic knowledge of computer systems, file recovery, and forensic tools like EnCase or FTK. Candidates often need relevant certifications such as the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) and some hands-on experience, which can be gained through internships or training programs.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level digital forensics professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level digital forensics professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of digital evidence, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, and maintaining the integrity of evidence throughout the investigative process. Navigating strict chain-of-custody protocols and understanding various file systems can also be demanding. To address these challenges, new professionals should seek mentorship from experienced team members, participate in ongoing training, and utilize industry-standard tools to streamline evidence analysis and documentation.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Digital Forensics professional, you need a foundational knowledge of computer systems, networking, cybersecurity principles, and a relevant degree or certification in digital forensics or information security. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, as well as experience using operating systems like Windows and Linux, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately collecting, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence, which supports investigations and legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Digital Forensics vs Entry Level Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Digital ForensicsEntry Level Cybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, EnCE (optional)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level)
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, labs, law enforcement or legal settingsNetwork monitoring, threat analysis, security operations centers
Industry UsageLegal cases, law enforcement, corporate investigationsIT security, corporate, government agencies

Entry Level Digital Forensics focuses on investigating digital crimes and analyzing digital evidence, often within legal or law enforcement contexts. Entry Level Cybersecurity Analysts primarily protect networks and systems from threats. While both roles require security certifications and involve technical skills, digital forensics emphasizes evidence collection and legal procedures, whereas cybersecurity focuses on proactive defense and threat mitigation.

How much do FBI DNA analysts make?

FBI DNA analysts are federal employees who typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level analysts may start at lower salaries, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of forensic science, DNA analysis techniques, and security clearance.

How hard is IT to get a job in digital forensics?

Entry level digital forensics jobs typically require a strong understanding of computer systems, networking, and digital evidence analysis, often supported by relevant certifications like GCFA or EnCE. While competition can be moderate, having technical skills, hands-on experience, and a relevant degree can improve job prospects; however, the field can be competitive due to specialized knowledge requirements.

What are entry level digital forensics jobs?

Entry level digital forensics jobs involve assisting in the identification, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. Professionals in these roles typically support investigations into cybercrimes, data breaches, and other incidents involving digital data. They may work under the supervision of senior analysts, using specialized tools to recover, analyze, and document electronic evidence. These positions often require a foundational knowledge of computer systems, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn new investigative techniques. Entry level roles are a great starting point for a career in cybersecurity and digital investigations.

Will AI replace digital forensics?

Digital forensics professionals analyze digital evidence to support investigations, and AI tools are increasingly used to assist in data analysis and pattern recognition. However, human expertise remains essential for interpreting complex cases, making decisions, and ensuring legal compliance, so AI is more of a supplement than a replacement in this field.
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 Entry Level Digital Forensics jobs in California? For Entry Level Digital Forensics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Digital Forensics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Digital Forensics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Digital Forensics jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Digital Forensics job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Digital Forensics job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,635 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Information Assurance Security Administrator

24 Hour Fitness

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


24 Hour Fitness rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs


Job description

ABOUT US
For over 40 years, 24 Hour Fitness has been a leader in the industry, driven by our mission to help our community live healthier and happier through the transformative power of fitness. With clubs nationwide, we create inclusive, welcoming spaces equipped with premium strength and cardio equipment, studio classes, and innovative digital tools. Our impact goes beyond the gym--we support our members' total well-being through coaching, connection, and community. Join us and be part of a team that's changing lives every day!
JOB SUMMARY
The Information Assurance Security Administrator is responsible for collaborating with the information assurance team to demonstrate and achieve the 24 Hour Fitness-wide Information Assurance product goal, along with metric based reporting for security implementation and compliance. This position performs system analysis techniques and procedures, including collaborating with team members, to determine hardware, software or system security specifications. This position documents, analyzes, and creates testing or modification of security systems or programs in accordance with user and/or system design specifications. This position develops methodologies to track interdependencies of critical assets with entities outside the organization and inventorying and classifying critical assets (data, hardware, and software). This position monitors an organizational security architecture plan and performs end-to-end IT security assessments and ensures discrepancies are corrected. This position administers organization level monitoring systems, and performs manual cyber-security threat discovery (i.e., threat hunting) to identify, prevent and potentially remediate cyber-security threats to the organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Policies and Procedures
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to produce documentation that demonstrate and/or supports the information assurance product goal using existing internal documentation, industry standards, state and federal government legislation (e.g. CIS CSC 18, NIST CSF, PCI, CCPA, etc.).
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to develop and maintain IT Security Systems and Infrastructure Security.
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to develop and maintain the enterprise-wide threat model.
  • Review and maintain internal security policies and procedures.

Compliance and Enforcement
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to update and maintain organizational PCI compliance documentation.
  • Perform, assist with, and document investigations of internal policy infractions.
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to identify and document cyber-security risks and develop cyber-security risk mitigation plans.

Infrastructure Support and Initiatives
  • Implement and maintain IT Security Architecture documentation.
  • Collaborate with the Information Assurance team to develop methodology to track interdependencies of critical assets with entities outside the primary organization.
  • Research, develop, document, and implement tracking and inventory methodologies for maintaining inventory of critical assets (hardware and software).

Audit and Assessment
  • Assist with internal and external assessments of 24 Hour Fitness's IT Security posture.
  • Perform internal auditing procedures of organizational level IT controls and policy compliance.
  • Design, implement, document, and evaluate computer security programs.

Incident Response
  • Participate as a member of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).
  • Proactively search for and identify cyber-security threats to the 24 Hour Fitness enterprise.

Security Training and Awareness
  • Produce end user documentation and security awareness training materials.
  • Provide in-person security awareness training.

Other duties as assigned by manager.
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS
The Information Assurance Security Administrator reports to the Information Assurance Manager. Assists with audits and investigations as directed. Participates in Information Assurance Scrum Team events as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Experience working with CIS CSC 18 computer security programs.
  • Familiar with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and assessment process.
  • Experience with network and host-based intrusion detection and prevention.
  • Understanding and familiarity with computer forensic analysis tools and methodologies.
  • Proficient in Firewall, UNIX, Microsoft Systems, and Application security and auditing.
  • Experience with writing computer security policy documentation.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications
  • Associate's degree in related field, or relevant professional experience.
  • Security+ or equivalent entry-level certification.

Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications
  • 1+ years experience in a related field.

Physical Demands/ Environmental Conditions
  • Normal day-to-day business operations including using a keyboard, walking, bending and reaching.

Travel Requirement
  • Travel is not routine but may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Proficiency in Python.
  • Familiarity with penetration testing techniques and tools.
  • Familiarity with Agile values and principles.
  • Familiarity with the Scrum pillars as well as Scrum values and principles.
  • Experience with auditing and gathering evidence in support of audit findings.
  • Experience writing reports of findings related to audits and tests.

Educational Level/Certifications
  • CASP and/or SANS GIAC certification is strongly desired. If the candidate does not possess the CASP certification upon being hired, the candidate will be required to obtain the certification within one calendar year of being hired.

Work Experience and Qualification
  • Previous experience in either a publicly traded company, or government entity.
  • Experience with vulnerability scanning.
  • Exposure to software security testing.
  • Understanding of application and system logging and analysis.

Disclaimers
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.
COMPLIANCE & INTEGRITY: Consistently supports compliance and Workplace Conduct by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements (if applicable), and 24 Hour Fitness' policies and procedures.
All Directors, Managers and Supervisors are accountable for communication, implementation, enforcement, monitoring and oversight of compliance policies and practices in their departments.
SERVICE & QUALITY: In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by 24 Hour Fitness as well as specific departmental/organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to member and team members, contracted providers and vendors.
WORKPLACE SAFETY: In addition to defined working conditions and physical requirements, employees are accountable for working safely; following established policies & procedures; and reporting all injuries and hazards to their supervisor immediately.
Supervisors and Managers are accountable for ensuring the safety performance of employees; applying consistent practices in compliance with federal, state and local regulations; providing guidance to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Experience working with CIS CSC 18 computer security programs.
  • Familiar with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and assessment process.
  • Experience with network and host-based intrusion detection and prevention.
  • Understanding and familiarity with computer forensic analysis tools and methodologies.
  • Proficient in Firewall, UNIX, Microsoft Systems, and Application security and auditing.
  • Experience with writing computer security policy documentation.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications
  • Associate's degree in related field, or relevant professional experience.
  • Security+ or equivalent entry-level certification.

Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications
  • 1+ years experience in a related field.

Physical Demands/ Environmental Conditions
  • Normal day-to-day business operations including using a keyboard, walking, bending and reaching.

Travel Requirement
  • Travel is not routine but may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Proficiency in Python.
  • Familiarity with penetration testing techniques and tools.
  • Familiarity with Agile values and principles.
  • Familiarity with the Scrum pillars as well as Scrum values and principles.
  • Experience with auditing and gathering evidence in support of audit findings.
  • Experience writing reports of findings related to audits and tests.

Educational Level/Certifications
  • CASP and/or SANS GIAC certification is strongly desired. If the candidate does not possess the CASP certification upon being hired, the candidate will be required to obtain the certification within one calendar year of being hired.

Work Experience and Qualification
  • Previous experience in either a publicly traded company, or government entity.
  • Experience with vulnerability scanning.
  • Exposure to software security testing.
  • Understanding of application and system logging and analysis.

What 24 Hour Fitness employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


24 Hour Fitness logo

About 24 Hour Fitness

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At 24 Hour Fitness we are dedicated to our mission of creating a healthier, happier world. We are passionate about providing a fitness community that is accessible, affordable and welcoming to everyone. We're on the hunt for team members who are committed to being the best part of each other's day and who have a genuine desire to help our members achieve results they can feel proud of.

Industry

Fitness and sports centers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1983