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Forensic Computer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lake County, IL

Forensic Analyst

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$32.04/hr

The Forensic Analyst is responsible for cell phone, tablet, and computer forensic exams and analysis, supporting law enforcement departments in Lake County and any peripheral agencies as required.

Lake County

Forensic Analyst

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$32.04/hr

The Forensic Analyst is responsible for cell phone, tablet, and computer forensic exams and analysis, supporting law enforcement departments in Lake County and any peripheral agencies as required.

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Proficient with general computer skills (Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, etc.). * Must have superior ... Must have or obtain necessary equipment to perform assigned and accepted forensic projects.

KPMG

Senior Associate, Forensic Technology

Chicago, IL

$88K - $162K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or university is required; relevant training or certifications in the field, such as ...

KPMG

Senior Associate, Forensic Technology

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $162K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, digital forensics, or equivalent from an accredited college or university is required; relevant training or certifications in the field, such as ...

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Forensic Computer information

See Illinois salary details

$110K

$113.1K

$115.3K

How much do forensic computer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic computer in Illinois is $113,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,900.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is computer forensics in demand?

Computer forensics professionals are in increasing demand due to the rise in cybercrime and digital investigations. Employers seek individuals with skills in data recovery, analysis, and familiarity with forensic tools, often requiring certifications like EnCE or GCFA. The field offers growth opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and private investigation agencies.

What is a computer forensics job?

A computer forensics job involves investigating digital devices to recover, analyze, and preserve electronic evidence for legal or security purposes. Professionals in this field use specialized tools and techniques to examine computers, networks, and storage media, often requiring certifications like EnCase or CFCE. The work may involve working with law enforcement, legal teams, or private organizations to support investigations and ensure evidence integrity.

How much do computer forensics get paid?

Computer forensic analysts typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with certifications like CFCE or EnCE and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

What is the difference between Forensic Computer vs Digital Forensics Analyst?

AspectForensic ComputerDigital Forensics Analyst
CertificationsEnCE, GCFAEnCE, GCFA
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, private labs, corporate securityLaw enforcement, consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal cases, criminal investigations, corporate investigationsInvestigations, incident response, legal proceedings

Both roles involve analyzing digital evidence, often requiring similar certifications like EnCE or GCFA. Forensic Computers typically focus on collecting and analyzing digital evidence in legal or corporate settings, while Digital Forensics Analysts may work across various environments including law enforcement and consulting. The core skills overlap, but the context and specific responsibilities can differ based on the employer and case type.

What does a forensic computer specialist do?

A forensic computer specialist, also known as a computer forensic analyst, investigates digital devices to uncover and preserve evidence related to cybercrimes, fraud, or legal disputes. They recover deleted files, analyze data, and ensure that digital evidence is collected in a way that maintains its integrity for use in court. These specialists often work with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, or private companies to help solve cases involving computers, mobile devices, and networks.

Is digital forensics well paid?

Digital forensics professionals, including forensic computer analysts, typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced analysts with certifications can earn over $100,000. The field often requires knowledge of cybersecurity tools, forensic software, and sometimes certifications like GCFA or EnCE.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Computer Analyst, you need a solid background in computer science, cybersecurity, and digital forensics, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications like CISSP or EnCE. Familiarity with forensic imaging tools, data recovery software, and operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS is crucial. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills help you interpret complex data and present findings clearly in legal contexts. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, preservation, and reporting, which are vital for supporting investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic computer analysts during digital investigations?

Forensic computer analysts often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted or damaged data, staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, and maintaining the integrity of digital evidence throughout the investigation. They must also ensure that all steps are carefully documented to meet legal standards for evidence admissibility in court. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and collaborating efficiently with law enforcement or legal teams can be demanding, but these elements are crucial for successful case outcomes.
Forensic Computer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Computer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,098 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Senior Associate, Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)

Senior Associate, Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)

Prescient

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Requisition
POSITION TITLE: Senior Associate
PRACTICE/CORPORATE: Digital Forensics & Incident Response
LOCATION: TBD
REPORTS TO: Managing Director
FLSA: Exempt
DATE COMPLETED/REVISED: 06-2026
WHO IS PRESCIENT?
Prescient is a tech-enabled digital intelligence, investigation, and risk advisory firm. Our team helps multinational corporations, law firms, investors, and private clients mitigate risk and discover actionable intelligence using next generation technology and tradecraft. We operate at the intersection of cybersecurity, corporate security, disputes, and intelligence, and support clients around the world from offices in the United States and Europe.
POSITION SUMMARY
Prescient is seeking a dynamic new team member to help grow our Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) services. Prescient has built a world class DFIR capability over the past several years and is looking to hire a Senior Associate with experience from the public and/or private sector to build on our success and help us innovate.
Final title decisions will be made based on years of experience and candidate expertise.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The team member will generally be responsible for:
  • Leading and/or supporting investigations into cybersecurity incidents, including ransomware, data breaches, and insider threats.
  • Performing incident triage, forensic analysis, malware examination, and log review to identify the root cause and scope of compromise.
  • Conducting forensic imaging and analysis of endpoints, servers, cloud environments, and mobile devices.
  • Preserving and analyzing digital evidence in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Extracting, correlating, and interpreting data from multiple sources to reconstruct attack timelines.
  • Documenting methodologies and findings to support potential litigation, regulatory inquiries, or internal reviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Candidates will have approximately three (3) to five (5) years of experience in digital forensics, incident response, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
  • Strong technical background in digital forensics tools (e.g., Magnet Axiom, EnCase, FTK, Cellebrite, XWays, etc.) and incident response, EDR, and cybersecurity platforms, as well as cloud-based environments (M365, G-Suite, AWS, etc.).
  • Proficiency in handling a variety of operating systems (e.g., Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, virtual machines, etc.) and file systems (e.g., FAT, NTFS, EXT, etc.). Must be familiar with digital evidence collection from a variety of sources.
  • Proficiency in data and log file analysis and analytics tools such as SQL, Python, Tableau, Splunk, and Excel.

Leadership Abilities: Candidates must have exceptional communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Certifications (Optional):
  • Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
  • Other relevant certifications in DFIR or cybersecurity.

Education (Optional): Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Prescient provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Please note this job requisition is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.

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