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Forensic Audio Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Audio information

See Colorado salary details

$26.8K

$64.3K

$99.4K

How much do forensic audio jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic audio in Colorado is $64,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,800.00 and $72,600.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Forensic Audio jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Audio jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Audio job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,306 per year, or $30.9 per hour.
Lecturer of Recording Arts (Undergraduate)

Lecturer of Recording Arts (Undergraduate)

University of Colorado

Denver, CO • On-site

$5.3K/mo

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Lecturer
Working Title: Lecturer of Recording Arts (Undergraduate)
FTE: .225 per 3 credit course
Salary Range: $5,371.19 per 3 credit course
Position #00726509 - Requisition #40420
About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.
The Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Department features some of the best contemporary-focused music industry programs in the country. With about 500 students, MEIS has one of the biggest music business, recording arts, singer/songwriter, and contemporary performance programs in the Western U.S. Our downtown Denver location is perfect for enabling our students to be very involved with the thriving Denver music scene while they are in the program. As one of the only music departments in the country with a contemporary focus, Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) at CU Denver provides students with the guidance, knowledge, and expertise needed to transform passion for music into a lifelong profession.
This is an ongoing posting for a lecturer pool. There is not a specific recruitment timeframe or hiring timeline. There may or may not be a current need for lecturers in this area. As needs arise, applications in the pool will be reviewed and candidates contacted for interview. The posting will remain open for a maximum of 6 months.
Lecturer appointments are at-will and teaching assignments are determined on a semester by semester basis. Teaching assignments may fluctuate and are contingent upon the schedule of courses offered each term.
Lecturer of Recording Arts (Undergraduate)
What you will do: 100% Teaching
You will teach one or two classes per semester (3-6 credit hours)
As a Lecturer in Recording Arts (Undergraduate), your primary focus will be on inspiring and training the next generation of contemporary musicians. This can include instruction in the following:
• Basics of Audio Production
• Advanced Audio Production
• Mixing Technique
• Mastering Technique
• Critical Listening
• Pro-Tools Lab
• Digital Audio Workstation Techniques and application
• Live sound
Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
BA/BS/BM in Music or a related field
Or substitution of tested experience as exemplified by one or more of the following:
• Engineering, mixing, or mastering a recording(s) with a reputable label
• Extensive experience as a reputable studio or live sound engineer
• Evidence of mixing/engineering sound for a national/international tour/festival
• Evidence of recording published/performed by a major artist/publishing/media outlet (i.e. film or TV show) or company
• Two years successful experience teaching at a major university or college in same or similar program
Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
• Master's Degree in Music or a related field
• Experience teaching Music at the college level
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to create equitable and positive experiences for all.
• Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
• Demonstrate influential ability to embrace and advance equity and equitable inclusion.
• Ability to establish work priorities, follow through, and meet established deadlines.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to authentically listen and communicate relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution.
• Demonstrate dedication to mentoring students to best realize their potential as artists in society.
• Demonstrated excellence and experience in organizational teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skill
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,371.19 per 3 credit course.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Application Deadline
This is an ongoing posting for a lecturer pool. There is not a specific recruitment timeframe or hiring timeline. There may or may not be a current need for lecturers in this area. As needs arise, applications in the pool will be reviewed and candidates contacted for interview. The posting will remain open for a maximum of 6 months.
Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
1. Letter of application specifically addressing the position requirements and outlining qualification
2. Current CV or résumé
Questions should be directed to Evan Shelton, evan.shelton@ucdenver.edu
Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

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