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Forensic Assistant information

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$62

How much do forensic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic assistant in Chicago, IL is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.54 and $27.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic assistant?

Forensic assistants are professionals who support forensic scientists and investigators by collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Their tasks may include documenting evidence, preparing samples for laboratory analysis, managing records, and sometimes assisting in autopsies. They play a crucial role in ensuring that evidence is handled properly to maintain its integrity for legal proceedings. Forensic assistants typically work in crime labs, medical examiner’s offices, or law enforcement agencies, and their work helps solve crimes and support the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic assistant?

To thrive as a Forensic Assistant, you need a background in biology or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of evidence handling, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, chain-of-custody software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence processing, maintain the integrity of legal investigations, and support the credibility of forensic findings.

What are some typical challenges a forensic assistant may encounter when handling evidence?

Forensic Assistants often face challenges related to maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for physical evidence. Ensuring that evidence is properly documented, labeled, and stored is critical, as any lapse can compromise legal proceedings. The role also requires strict adherence to protocols and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially when dealing with time-sensitive investigations. Attention to detail and effective communication with forensic scientists, law enforcement, and laboratory staff are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Forensic Assistant vs Forensic Technician?

AspectForensic AssistantForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a degree in criminal justice or forensic scienceAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, crime scenesLaboratories, crime scenes, fieldwork
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsForensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensic Assistants typically support forensic teams with administrative and basic technical tasks, often requiring less formal education. Forensic Technicians perform more technical laboratory work, often needing specialized degrees. Both roles work in crime labs and law enforcement settings, but Forensic Technicians usually have more advanced training and responsibilities.

How to become a forensic assistant?

To become a forensic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with forensic tools and software; certifications such as the American Board of Criminalistics can enhance prospects. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication skills are important for reporting findings clearly.

What do you need to be a forensic assistant?

To become a forensic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and data analysis are important, and some positions may require certification or on-the-job training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Forensic jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Forensic Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Forensic Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Forensic Assistant job openings:

Forensic Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,314 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Digital Forensic Analyst I

CGS Federal (Contact Government Services)

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
CGS Federal is a company focused on enhancing government services through technology, and they are seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst I. The role involves preserving and collecting data from mobile devices and cloud storage, coordinating with legal teams, and maintaining forensic tools, all while adhering to best practices in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
• Perform forensic data collection and basic forensic analysis in both on-site and remote capacity
• Coordinate directly with legal teams/client IT departments to understand project scope
• Maintain forensic tool set by staying current on version updates and new options in the market
• Work closely with project management and other team members on completing complex projects in a fast pace, deadline-driven environment
• Assist in developing, documenting, and refining procedures to accomplish discovery process requirements
• Manage all chain of custody best practices associated with the rules of evidence
• Consistently adhere to standard operating procedures
• Perform quality checks on work products prior to delivering to the client
• Complete additional duties assigned by the manager including general IT functions
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably in Digital Forensic Science or Computer Science/Engineering
• 1+ years of relevant experience in where the analyst understands the forensic lifecycle and can properly perform scoping activities, evidence acquisitions on a range of devices, and execute forensic analysis at an intermediate level
• Experience using industry standard forensic tools such as: EnCase, Cellebrite, Oxygen, FTK Imager, MacQuisition, X1 Social Discovery, Logicube Falcon
• General understanding of Mac/Windows filesystems, mobile devices, and encryption
• Experience preserving desktops, laptops, mobile devices/tablets, servers, both cloud and on-premise email implementations, nontraditional cloud data sources, social media, etc. in a forensically sound manner
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in both verbally and in written format to team members and technical/non-technical clients
• Ability to work extended hours when necessary to ensure client deadlines are met
• Ability to demonstrate superior organizational skills with acute attention to detail
• Must be willing to travel regularly on short notice; must have a valid passport for occasional international travel
• Must be an energetic self-starter who can work within a team environment but also independently as the situation requires
• Ability to document forensic workflows based on sound industry practice
• Willingness to develop/train other team members to increase the group’s overall knowledge base as well as cultivate secondary resources to assist in larger collection events
• Strong troubleshooting skills coupled with the ability to solve on the fly to solve complex problems
Preferred:
• Understanding of the electronic discovery reference model (EDRM)
• Possess at least one industry-standard certification (EnCE, CCE, CCFE, GCFE, GCFA, CCO, CCPA, CCME, etc.)
• General knowledge of litigation support applications (e.g. Relativity, Concordance, Nuix, LAW PreDiscovery, etc.)
• Experience working with structured data exported from various platforms including analysis, custom scripting, and data manipulation to develop reports for client use
• Understanding of (Robo/Rich) copy tools, BAT (PowerShell) scripting, and Active Directory
• Experience with scripting, programming/coding, and database languages (SQL, VB, HTML, Access)
Company:
Contact Government Services strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Washington, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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