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Forensic Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Torrance, CA

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Torrance, CA · On-site

$8.8K - $11K/mo

Forensic Identification Specialists work closely with detectives, patrol officers, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and professional forensic services that uphold the highest ...

City of Torrance

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Torrance, CA · On-site

Forensic Identification Specialists work closely with detectives, patrol officers, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and professional forensic services that uphold the highest ...

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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 8, 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.
More about Forensic Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Specialist job openings:
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What states have the most Forensic Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Specialist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Specialist jobs? For Forensic Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Chief Computer Forensic Specialist

Department of Justice

Dallas, TX • On-site

$133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Office of the Inspector General is one of the best places to work in the Department of Justice and is one of the premier inspector general offices in federal government. The Investigations Division (INV) investigates alleged criminal violations and misconduct that govern DOJ employees, operations, grantees, and contractors. Annually INV receives more than 13,000 complaints, opens approximately 250 investigations, and makes an average of over 90 arrests.Qualifications:To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level obtained in the public sector. (Specialized experience is paid or unpaid experience which has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.) Examples of specialized experience include such duties as: supervising a team engaged in conducting comprehensive investigations encompassing allegations of criminal misconduct using a computer, mobile, or other electronic device, serious administrative infractions or integrity violations involving individuals, groups, or large organizations. Types of investigations include violations of Title 18, United States Code, including fraud, bribery, larceny, embezzlement, collusion, conflict of interest, civil rights violations, contract fraud, and other Federal criminal violations.
REQUIRED TRAINING INCLUDE:
Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS). Equivalent training courses include:
  • Electronic Crimes Special Agent Program (ECSAP) offered at USSS
  • Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) offered at FBI
  • Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA)
  • National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) (for this NW3C training - you must have successfully completed and passed both courses below)
- Basic Data Recovery and Acquisition (BDRA)
- Intermediate Data Recovery and Analysis (IDRA)
Additional Qualifications:
1. Have training and experience conducting forensic examinations of mobile devices.
2. Have earned at least one advanced certification, such as the EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), DCITA Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE), Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)- International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners, or Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)- International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
CERTIFICATIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR YOUR APPLICATION MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade level (or equivalent).Education:There are no education requirements for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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