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Forensic Audio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Redlands, CA

Forensic Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$76K - $95K/yr

... and audio-visual services, and latent fingerprint processing; and performs related duties as ... Utilizes technical expertise in operating a forensic laser and uses chemical methods of fingerprint ...

City of Redlands

Forensic Specialist

Redlands, CA

$76K - $95K/yr

... and audio-visual services, and latent fingerprint processing; and performs related duties as ... Utilizes technical expertise in operating a forensic laser and uses chemical methods of fingerprint ...

Dolby

Senior Compliance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Conduct detailed forensic analysis, including teardown, component identification, signal-flow ... Strong working knowledge of audio codecs, multimedia frameworks, and consumer electronics ...

Apple

Product Quality Manager - Audio

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$206K - $213K/yr

... use data forensics to solve complex manufacturing assembly quality issues Proven experience in one or more of the following subject areas: New Product Introduction / Design Engineering ...

Department of Justice

Crime Analyst III

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$6.2K - $8.0K/mo

These assignments include the recovery, enhancement, and analysis with interpretation of all recorded audio/video evidence, including the forensic extraction related to mobile electronic devices ...

Apple

Product Quality Manager - Audio

Cupertino, CA

$133K - $246K/yr

... use data forensics to solve complex manufacturing assembly quality issues Proven experience in one or more of the following subject areas: New Product Introduction / Design Engineering ...

Apple

Quality & Reliability Engineering

Cupertino, CA

$88K - $114K/yr

... Mac, Audio, VisionPro -Mechanical Engineering Product Quality Manager - iPhone, VisionPro ... able to use data forensics to solve complex manufacturing assembly quality issues Minimum ...

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Forensic Audio information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$60.4K

$93.3K

How much do forensic audio jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic audio in California is $60,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying forensic job?

The highest paying forensic jobs are often senior roles such as forensic laboratory directors or forensic science managers, who oversee investigations and laboratory operations. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certifications, and can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic audio analysts when working with degraded or low-quality recordings?

Forensic audio analysts often encounter challenges such as background noise, overlapping voices, or poor recording quality, which can make it difficult to isolate and clarify key sounds or speech. They use specialized software and techniques to enhance audio, but there are limits to how much a recording can be improved without introducing artifacts or altering the original content. Effective communication with legal teams about what is possible and the limitations of audio evidence is essential for success in this role.

How to get into audio forensics?

To pursue a career in forensic audio, individuals typically need a background in audio engineering, criminal justice, or forensic science, along with strong skills in audio editing and analysis software such as Pro Tools or Adobe Audition. Gaining experience through internships, certifications like the Certified Forensic Audio Specialist (CFAS), and understanding legal procedures can improve job prospects in this specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Audio Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Audio Analyst, you need a strong background in audio engineering, acoustics, and digital signal processing, often supported by a relevant degree in audio technology or forensic science. Familiarity with specialized audio analysis tools such as Adobe Audition, iZotope RX, and forensic software like Cedar or Amped FIVE is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for analyzing complex audio evidence and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate, reliable analysis and clear expert testimony, which are crucial for supporting legal investigations and proceedings.

What is forensic audio analysis?

Forensic audio analysis is the scientific examination, evaluation, and interpretation of audio recordings to aid investigations or legal proceedings. Specialists in this field use advanced techniques to enhance audio quality, authenticate recordings, identify speakers, and clarify speech or sounds. Their work is crucial in criminal cases, civil disputes, and other legal matters where audio evidence is presented. Forensic audio experts often testify in court to explain their findings and methodologies.

What Are Forensic Audio Jobs?

The leading roles in forensic audio include forensic expert and analyst. As an analyst, you utilize the scientific process during an investigation to help make recordings usable in a court case. Your duties are to analyze audio evidence for authenticity, often refuting or pinpointing a crime. As an expert in the field, your responsibilities are to work with analysts to improve the intelligibility of audio speech and the audibility of quiet sounds. You might transcribe audio, identify the devices used to make the recording, or make an analysis of sonic evidence to reconstruct a crime. In both roles, you examine audio in criminal justice trials and work with law enforcement to define or uncover evidence.

What is audio forensics?

Audio forensics is a specialized field within forensic science that involves analyzing audio recordings to authenticate, enhance, or interpret sound evidence. Forensic audio analysts use tools like spectral analysis and noise reduction to clarify recordings and identify details relevant to investigations.

What is a forensic audio specialist?

A forensic audio specialist is a professional who analyzes and enhances audio recordings for legal investigations and court cases. They use specialized software and techniques to improve sound clarity, remove noise, and authenticate recordings, often working closely with law enforcement and legal teams.

What is the difference between Forensic Audio vs Forensic Audio Technician?

AspectForensic AudioForensic Audio Technician
CredentialsOften requires specialized training in audio analysis and certifications like IAI or ASQ certificationsTypically holds audio engineering or forensic audio certifications, with some overlap
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in labs, courtrooms, or crime scenes involving audio evidenceIn labs or field settings, handling audio recordings and equipment
Industry UsageUsed by law enforcement, legal professionals, and forensic labsEmployed by forensic labs, law enforcement, and audio forensic firms

Forensic Audio focuses on analyzing and interpreting audio evidence for legal cases, often requiring advanced certifications. Forensic Audio Technicians handle the technical aspects of audio evidence collection and processing. While their roles overlap, Forensic Audio specialists typically have more advanced analytical training, whereas technicians focus on equipment and recording tasks.

More about Forensic Audio jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Audio jobs in California? The most popular types of Forensic Audio jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Audio jobs in California? For Forensic Audio jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Audio jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Audio jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Audio jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Audio job openings:
Forensic Audio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Audio job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,355 per year, or $29 per hour.

Forensic Specialist

City of Redlands, CA

Redlands, CA • On-site

$76K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary : $76,979.00 - $95,964.00 Annually
Location : Redlands, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02121
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Under general supervision, performs highly skilled technical work assisting police officers in criminal investigations, the identification, collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes, advanced photography and audio-visual services, and latent fingerprint processing; and performs related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Utilizes various kinds of scientific instrumentation to analyze, compare, identify, and quantify materials of evidence;
  • Utilizes technical expertise in operating a forensic laser and uses chemical methods of fingerprint detection;
  • Collects, photographs, preserves, classifies and identifies fingerprints, palm prints and other types of body prints;
  • Evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints from objects, structures and other materials;
  • Conducts and properly documents crime scene investigations to recognize, search for, collect and preserve all types of evidence;
  • Operates digital recording equipment in the collection and presentation of crime scene evidence;
  • Maintains photographic equipment and supplies;
  • Prepares and maintains detailed reports and records;
  • Prepares in-depth reports and accompanying evidence for court presentations;
  • Reconstructs crime scenes for reports, court, etc;
  • May assist the property and evidence team in providing temporary and vacation relief as necessary in the maintenance and control of police property, evidence and supplies;
  • Creates composite images of suspects using specialized forensic software or hand drawings of suspects based on victim and witness identifications;
  • Tags, marks, and stores evidence collected;
  • Transports evidence for analysis or disposal;
  • Prepares evidence for presentation in criminal and other cases;
  • Provides testimony regarding evidence, chain of custody, suspect identification and other forensic related matters in criminal and non-criminal cases;
  • Works a flexible schedule that will require an on-call status;
  • Mixes and utilizes chemicals for job-related functions such as development and processing of fingerprints and photography;
  • Receives radio dispatches and drives to all calls within the City and surrounding area;
  • Documents crime scenes, training classes and special operations;
  • Requests Cal-ID searches from the crime lab;
  • Interviews witnesses to obtain information on crime scenes, evidence, etc;
  • Attends post-mortem examinations, collects, packages, and stores evidence
  • Photographs autopsies of criminal investigations;
  • Prepares photos for court presentations;
  • May testify in court; and
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Equivalent to a high school diploma, supplemented by additional training in police science, photography or a related field.
  • An Associate's degree in criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Experience:
  • A minimum of one year of experience conducting forensic specialist/technician duties, including experience or training in the field of photography with an emphasis on digital photography.

License or Certificate:
  • Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license.

Special Requirements:
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
  • Must be able to withstand rigorous situations in court, handle violent crime scenes, and meet deadlines upon demand.
  • May be required to be on-call 24 hours a day, up to seven days a week.
  • Ability to perform on-site field inspections, including exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to stoop, crouch, climb and lift in performance of assigned duties;
  • May be subject to uncomfortable working conditions including odors, toxic agents, machinery, explosives, bright or very dim light and possible violent situations;
  • Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry, and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment or supplies and operation of a motor vehicle; must be able to perceive color, shapes, and odors.

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.
The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".
Proof of education, such as but not limited to university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Failure to provide all required documents may result in elimination from the selection process.
Please note that the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (including a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening, depending on job classification). The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify, and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Julie Maher at or Sophia Diaz at
Benefits associated with this position include:
  • Medical Insurance - City pays premium of $800 up to $2,100 /mo for employees and eligible dependents, depending upon coverage level
  • Dental Insurance - City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans
  • Vision Reimbursement - up to $300 per year
  • Life Insurance - $25,000
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000
  • Deferred Compensation - $1560 per year
  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
  • The City participates in Social Security
  • Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrued in first year
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours annually
  • Clothing or Uniform allowance, depending upon position
  • City contribution to a 401(a) plan $870 or $1560 per year depending upon assignment
  • 14 Paid Holidays per year
  • 2 Floating Holidays per year
  • 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year
  • Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program - $5000 per fiscal year
  • Education Incentive Pay - 3% for a Master's or Doctoral Degree
  • Mobile Device Pay - $100 per month (for select positions)
  • Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the RCSEA MOU)

  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013;
  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 (and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date.)

01
How many years of experience do you have conducting forensic specialist or technician duties?
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 or more years

02
How many years of experience or training in the field of photography, with an emphasis on digital photography, do you have?
  • Less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year but less than 2.
  • More than 3 years but less than 4
  • 4 years or more

03
What is the extent of your formal education?
  • None
  • High School or Equivalent
  • AS/AA (Associate Degree)
  • BS/BA (Bachelors Degree)
  • MA/MS (Masters Degree) or Higher

04
Please list any additional training in police science, photography, forensic science, crime scene investigation, or a related field you have completed.
05
Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain upon appointment, a valid California drivers license?
  • Yes, currently possess
  • No, but have the ability to obtain upon appointment
  • No

Required Question

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