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Forensic Specialist information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic specialist in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forensic Specialist vs Forensic Technician?

AspectForensic SpecialistForensic Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or related field; certifications like ASCLD-LABAssociate's or bachelor's degree; often on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Job FocusAnalyzing evidence, expert testimony, case analysisCollecting, processing, and documenting evidence
Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement, forensic labs, legal proceedingsPrimarily in crime scene investigation and evidence processing

While both roles are essential in forensic investigations, Forensic Specialists typically have more advanced education and focus on analysis and expert testimony, whereas Forensic Technicians handle evidence collection and processing at crime scenes and labs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Specialist, you need a strong background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in laboratory or field investigations. Familiarity with evidence analysis tools, crime scene processing equipment, and digital forensic systems, as well as certifications such as those from the International Association for Identification (IAI), are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies enable accurate evidence handling, reliable investigative outcomes, and clear presentation of findings in legal contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic specialists during evidence collection and analysis?

Forensic Specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining the integrity of evidence, working under strict chain-of-custody protocols, and dealing with time-sensitive cases that require quick yet meticulous analysis. They must also adapt to various environments, from crime scenes to laboratory settings, and collaborate closely with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic professionals. Additionally, staying current with advancements in forensic technology and procedures is essential to ensure accurate and legally admissible results.

What is a forensic specialist?

Forensic specialists are the criminal investigators responsible for collecting and evaluating the evidence that the investigative team recovers at a crime scene. As a forensic specialist, you use a variety of scientific tools and techniques to document and analyze evidence. Your job duties also include taking photographs at the crime scene and performing tests in a lab. Some of these include DNA testing of blood, hair, and other human materials to help identify the culprits. A forensic specialist plays an integral part in the process of investigating and solving crimes.

What is a forensic specialist?

A Forensic Specialist is a professional who applies scientific methods and techniques to analyze evidence from crime scenes. Their work helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes by identifying, collecting, and examining physical evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, and digital data. They may specialize in areas like biology, chemistry, or digital forensics, and often testify in court about their findings. Forensic Specialists play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that evidence is accurately interpreted and handled.
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Forensic Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Junior Computer Forensic Specialist

Prescient Edge

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Junior Computer Forensic Specialist
Location
Tampa, FL 33621 US (Primary)
Category
Intelligence
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Security Clearance Required
TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
Job Description
Prescient Edge is seeking a Junior Computer Forensic Specialist to support a federal government client.
Please note that the availability of this position is contingent upon contract award.
Benefits:
At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes:
  • A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage.
  • A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule. Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking.
  • A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged.

Description:
  • Computer forensic specialists combine computer science with forensic skills to recover information from computers and storage devices to recover data like documents, photos, and e-mails from computer hard drives and other data storage devices that have been deleted, damaged, or otherwise manipulated.
  • The specialist uses forensic tools and investigative methods to find specific electronic data, including Internet use history, word processing documents, images, and other files.
  • They use their technical skills to hunt for files and information that have been hidden, deleted or lost.
  • They help officials analyze data and evaluate its relevance.
  • The specialist may also use their expertise to protect computers from infiltration, determine how a computer was broken into, or recover lost files.
  • The specialist creates detailed notes on processes undertaken and develops intelligence-based reporting.
  • The specialist may also provide testing and evaluation of emerging trends in digital forensics software and hardware and assist in developing new and innovative forensic processes and procedures.
  • Certification through the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) or the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) is preferred.

Job Requirements
Desired experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience relevant to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years.

Desired education:
  • Bachelor's degree in an area related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • An additional 4 years of direct experience, for a total of 7 years of experience in the specific labor category, may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.

Security Clearance:
  • Security clearance required TS/SCI with CI POLY or the ability to obtain CI POLY.

Location:
  • MacDill AFB, Florida.

Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.
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About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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