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Forensic Analyst Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The selected candidate will perform digital forensic analysis and malware reverse engineering to ... Performance Bonuses and annual salary reviews * Health, dental, and vision insurance * Short Term ...

Nightwing is seeking a Host Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission ... The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected ...

Nightwing is seeking a Host Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission ... The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected ...

Perform forensic multimedia analysis: Enhance audio, validate media authenticity, and extract ... Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary ...

Perform forensic multimedia analysis: Enhance audio, validate media authenticity, and extract ... Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary ...

Perform forensic multimedia analysis: Enhance audio, validate media authenticity, and extract ... Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary ...

Responsibilities: - Assisting Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite ... Benefits Extremely competitive salary 95% employer paid for employee medical, dental, & vision ...

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Responsibilities: - Assisting Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite ... Benefits Extremely competitive salary 95% employer paid for employee medical, dental, & vision ...

New

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Forensic Analyst Salary information

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$45K

$86.5K

$134K

How much do forensic analyst salary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic analyst salary in the United States is $86,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a forensic analyst?

The average salary of a forensic analyst in the United States typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, while experienced analysts or those in specialized roles can earn higher salaries. Certain regions and federal agencies may offer additional compensation or benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Analyst, you need a strong background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with evidence processing tools, digital forensics software, and laboratory information management systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence analysis, clear reporting, and successful collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams.

What are some typical career advancement opportunities for forensic analysts within law enforcement or private sector organizations?

Forensic analysts often begin their careers in entry-level laboratory roles, but with experience and continued education, they can progress to senior analyst, team lead, or supervisory positions. Many organizations also offer opportunities to specialize in areas like digital forensics, toxicology, or trace evidence analysis. Advancement may involve additional certifications or training, and some analysts transition into roles such as forensic laboratory managers or consultants. Regular collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other specialists can also open doors to interdisciplinary career paths within the criminal justice system.

What is the difference between Forensic Analyst Salary vs Crime Scene Investigator Salary?

AspectForensic Analyst SalaryCrime Scene Investigator Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field; on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, offices, courtroomsCrime scenes, fieldwork, laboratories
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, governmentPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Forensic analysts typically work in labs analyzing evidence, earning a median salary around $60,000, while crime scene investigators often work in the field at crime scenes, earning approximately $50,000. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but differ mainly in work environment and daily tasks.

Do forensic analysts get paid a lot?

Forensic analysts' salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is competitive within the criminal justice and forensic science fields. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Overall, forensic analysis is considered a stable career with moderate to good compensation compared to other laboratory or investigative roles.

Is it hard to be a forensic analyst?

Becoming a forensic analyst requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of forensic tools and techniques. The job can be demanding due to the need for accuracy, report writing, and sometimes working under tight deadlines or in high-pressure situations.

What does a forensic analyst do?

A forensic analyst examines physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, digital data, and trace materials, to support criminal investigations. They use specialized tools and techniques to analyze evidence accurately and often prepare detailed reports or testify in court. The role requires attention to detail, knowledge of forensic methods, and adherence to legal standards.

What qualifications do I need to be a forensic analyst?

To become a forensic analyst, a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a related field is typically required. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and proficiency with forensic tools and software; some positions may also require certification such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or similar credentials.
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What cities are hiring for Forensic Analyst Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Analyst Salary job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Analyst Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Analyst Salary jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forensic Analyst Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,474 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst

Peraton

Arlington, VA

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 226 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is currently seeking a Mid-Level Digital Forensic Analyst to support Federal Strategic Cyber programs in the Cyber & Intelligence sector.

Location: On-site, Arlington, VA

Role: 

  • This role focuses on the recovery, analysis, and reporting of digital evidence to support criminal, cyber, and administrative investigations.
  • The ideal candidate brings strong digital forensics expertise, a disciplined analytical approach, and the ability to produce court-defensible findings in a mission-driven environment.

In this role, you will: 

  • Conduct forensic examinations of digital data from cellphones, tablets, computers, removable media, cloud sources, and other platforms.
  • Apply recognized scientific practices to identify, analyze, interpret, and present digital evidence for criminal, civil, and administrative matters.
  • Perform detailed, targeted examinations in line with investigative objectives, legal process, and search warrant limitations.
  • Use industry-standard forensic tools-such as Cellebrite (including Inseyets), Oxygen Forensic Detective, Magnet Forensics GrayKey and Axiom, Nuix, X-Ways, and similar for extraction and examination.
  • Analyze data from various operating systems and applications, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, cloud services, and common backup formats.
  • Produce clear, comprehensive reports that explain findings for investigators, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
  • Provide expert witness testimony, explaining examination procedures and technical findings to non-technical audiences in federal, state, and local proceedings.
  • Provide on-site support during search warrant executions by identifying, collecting, packaging, documenting, and preserving digital evidence while maintaining strict chain of custody.
  • Work closely with program leadership and peers to maintain forensically sound procedures and best practices for acquisition, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.
  • Conduct peer reviews and quality checks of reports and artifacts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and clarity before customer delivery.
  • Share lessons learned and emerging techniques with colleagues to enhance collective expertise.
  • Stay current on developments in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices and applications, social media platforms, and encryption/decryption methods.
Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years with bachelor's degree; 3 years with a Masters degree.
    • An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree/education.
  • Must either possess and maintain, or obtain prior to starting date, one of the following professional certifications:
    • GIAC:  GCFE, GASF
    • IACIS:  CFCE, ICMDE
    • NCFI:  BCERT, MDE
    • DC3:  CDFE, CDMC
    • Opentext:  EnCE
    • Cellebrite:  [CCO & CCPA], CCME
    • Oxygen Forensics:  OFC
  • Demonstrated proficiency with mobile and non-mobile forensic software tools such as Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite, and Oxygen, as well as advanced mobile extraction hardware and software.
  • Working knowledge of Windows and MacOS, Apple iOS, Android, and their associated backup technologies.
  • Experience writing detailed, technically accurate reports that clearly communicate complex digital forensic findings to non-technical audiences.
  • Strong critical thinking, creativity, sound judgment, and awareness to recognize when to seek leadership guidance.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with leadership, peers, forensic analysts, law enforcement, prosecutors, CIF customers, and other stakeholders at all levels to deliver high quality forensic products.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for on-scene evidence seizures, training, and/or testimony.
  • Commitment to staying current on advancements in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile technologies, social media, applications, and encryption.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • The ability to obtain an interim Secret security clearance before start date.

#DSCM

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017