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Forensic Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Orange

Forensic Technician Trainee

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

Click here for OC Crime Lab website THE OPPORTUNITY Forensic Technician Trainee is the entry level. Incumbents at this level assist with more difficult or complex laboratory assignments under close ...

Rocket Lab

Cybersecurity Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on delivering responsive launch services and ... • Assist with project planning and deployment for Cybersecurity initiatives • Assist our ...

Rocket Lab

Cybersecurity Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft ... • Assist with project planning and deployment for Cybersecurity initiatives • Assist our ...

Eurofins

EMC Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... Equipment and Lab Skills * Basic computer skills (Excel, word) * Ability to assist in test setup ...

Eurofins Scientific

EMC Technician

Irvine, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... Equipment and Lab Skills * Basic computer skills (Excel, word) * Ability to assist in test setup ...

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All JobsForensic Lab JobsForensic Lab Assistant JobsForensic Lab Assistant Jobs in California

Forensic Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do forensic lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic lab assistant in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forensic Lab Assistant vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensic Lab AssistantCrime Scene Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, handling evidence processingCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Job FocusPreparing evidence, assisting with lab analysesCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles support criminal investigations, Forensic Lab Assistants primarily work in laboratories assisting with evidence processing, whereas Crime Scene Technicians focus on collecting evidence directly from crime scenes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within forensic science.

How to become a forensic lab assistant?

To become a forensic lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education in criminal justice, biology, or chemistry. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and knowledge of forensic procedures; certifications are not usually required but can enhance prospects. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level laboratory work can also improve chances of employment in forensic laboratories.

What does a Forensic Lab Assistant do?

A Forensic Lab Assistant supports scientists and forensic analysts by preparing and organizing laboratory equipment, handling evidence, and assisting with various tests and analyses. They ensure that samples are properly labeled and documented, help maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, and may be involved in basic data entry or record-keeping. Their work is crucial for maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring the integrity of evidence used in criminal investigations.

What is the highest salary for a lab assistant?

The highest salary for a forensic lab assistant can reach around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, typically for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions. Salaries vary based on location, education, certifications, and the complexity of the laboratory environment.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Lab Assistant, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant associate or bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling protocols, and data management systems is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate evidence processing, maintain chain of custody, and support the integrity of legal investigations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a forensic lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education in criminal justice, biology, or chemistry. Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols are also important qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Forensic Lab Assistants when handling evidence?

Forensic Lab Assistants often face challenges such as ensuring the chain of custody for evidence, preventing contamination, and adhering to strict laboratory protocols. This requires meticulous attention to detail, as even small errors can compromise the integrity of an investigation. Additionally, assistants must be comfortable working with potentially hazardous materials and be prepared to manage time effectively, as case priorities can shift rapidly in a forensic lab environment.

What does a forensic assistant do?

A forensic lab assistant supports crime scene investigations and laboratory analysis by collecting, preserving, and processing evidence such as biological samples, fingerprints, and physical items. They often use tools like microscopes and forensic software, and must follow strict protocols to maintain evidence integrity. Attention to detail and knowledge of safety procedures are essential in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Forensic Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Lab Assistant job openings:
Forensic Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Lab Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.
Digital Forensic Analyst I

Digital Forensic Analyst I

Contact Government Services, LLC

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Digital Forensic Analyst
Employment Type: Full-Time, Mid-Level
Department: Forensics   
 
CGS is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation & collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data.  This candidate should be fluent in a broad range of forensic technologies and interested in taking on a primary role in a quickly expanding forensics department. This position will include travel for on-site collection efforts as well as an in-office presence at the primary firm office which includes the forensics lab and data center.  This firm prioritizes a lean-team approach and a very employee-centric culture that encourages professional growth and active roles for all team members.
 
CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
- 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:
- 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
 
Ideally, you will also have:
- 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)
 
Our Commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of government innovation!
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.comDigital Forensic Analyst
Employment Type: Full-Time, Mid-Level
Department: Forensics   
 
CGS is seeking a Digital Forensic Analyst whose primary focus will be on the preservation & collection of mobile device and cloud-stored data.  This candidate should be fluent in a broad range of forensic technologies and interested in taking on a primary role in a quickly expanding forensics department. This position will include travel for on-site collection efforts as well as an in-office presence at the primary firm office which includes the forensics lab and data center.  This firm prioritizes a lean-team approach and a very employee-centric culture that encourages professional growth and active roles for all team members.
 
CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
- 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:
- 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
 
Ideally, you will also have:
- 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)
 
Our Commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government-contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of government innovation!
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.com
 
#CJ

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