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Forensics Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Computer Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$78K - $144K/yr

The successful candidate conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in ...

Integral Forensics

Legal Analyst

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$60K/yr

Company Description Integral Forensics applies systematic engineering methods to evaluate ... The Legal Analyst will work closely with our forensic engineers and case managers, providing ...

Department of State Hospitals

Analyst I

Patton, CA · On-site

$3.8K - $6.2K/mo

Analyze and interpret forensic reports, court orders and subpoenas. * Proficient in Excel, data entry, and compiling data into graphs for data analysis. The successful applicant will possess strong ...

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All JobsForensics Analyst JobsForensics Analyst Jobs in California

Forensics Analyst information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$85.3K

$132.2K

How much do forensics analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics analyst in California is $85,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do Forensic Analyst do?

A Forensic Analyst investigates crime scenes and collects, analyzes, and preserves physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and digital data. They use specialized tools and techniques to support criminal investigations and often work closely with law enforcement agencies, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of legal procedures.

What are some common challenges a Forensics Analyst faces when collecting digital evidence, and how can these be managed?

Forensics Analysts often encounter obstacles such as encrypted files, damaged storage devices, or anti-forensic techniques used to hide or alter evidence. Managing these challenges involves staying current with forensic tools and methodologies, collaborating with IT and legal teams, and following strict chain-of-custody protocols to preserve evidence integrity. Analysts must also document every step meticulously to ensure findings are admissible in legal proceedings.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A Forensics Analyst is typically a specialized role focused on analyzing physical evidence and may not require law enforcement credentials. While some crime scene investigators (CSIs) are law enforcement officers, others work as civilian forensic specialists in labs or investigative teams, often requiring relevant education and certifications in forensic science or related fields. The specific requirements depend on the employer and jurisdiction, but a background in science and evidence handling is essential.

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

To thrive as a Forensics Analyst, you need a strong background in computer science, digital investigations, and evidence handling, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications like GCFA or EnCE. Proficiency with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, as well as knowledge of operating systems and network protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting complex data and presenting findings. These skills are crucial to accurately uncover digital evidence, ensure legal compliance, and support criminal or corporate investigations.

How do you become a Forensic Analyst?

To become a forensic analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in laboratory techniques and digital tools, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Forensics Analyst vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectForensics AnalystCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like GCFA, GCFE, EnCECertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentInvestigative labs, law enforcement agencies, legal settingsIT departments, security operations centers, corporate networks
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, legal firms, government agenciesPrivate companies, tech firms, financial institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative roles in digital forensicsUnderstanding cybersecurity roles in protecting digital assets

While both roles focus on digital security, Forensics Analysts specialize in investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence, often working with law enforcement. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting systems from attacks and vulnerabilities, working primarily within IT security teams. The roles overlap in technical skills and certifications but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

What does a Forensics Analyst do?

A Forensics Analyst is a professional who investigates and analyzes evidence from crime scenes or digital sources to help solve criminal cases. They may work with physical evidence, such as fingerprints and biological samples, or digital evidence, like data from computers and mobile devices. Their work involves collecting, preserving, and interpreting evidence to support law enforcement investigations and court proceedings. Forensic analysts often prepare reports and may testify as expert witnesses in court. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that evidence is handled properly and can be used effectively in legal cases.

Do forensic analysts get paid well?

Forensic analysts typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced analysts with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, often comparable to other roles in law enforcement or cybersecurity fields.
Forensics Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Analyst job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,342 per year, or $41 per hour.
Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst

Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst

Eliassen Group

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$34 - $39/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description:

On-site in Orange County, CA

Our client seeks a Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst to support a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center. The analyst will conduct digital media forensics, contribute to incident response, maintain and enhance the SOC forensics program, and produce clear technical reporting. The role includes shift rotations, weekend coverage, and some holidays. The initial period of performance is roughly six months with training on a day shift. Candidates must meet background clearance requirements and hold a relevant forensics certification.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $34.00 to $39.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary liaison for forensics analysis tasks including analysis of digital media devices to identify, reverse engineer, and de-obfuscate content related to a security incident.
  • Maintain the Digital Forensics Program for the SOC, including process enhancements and upskilling the team with drafted technical reports.
  • Support SOC operational duties for networks and systems during security incidents.
  • Augment cyber threat intelligence development and reporting generated from forensics investigations.
  • Identify, develop, and implement automation tasks for the SOC Forensics Program.
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend new security tools, techniques, and technologies aligned to IT security strategy.
  • Use COTS/GOTS and custom tools and procedures to scan, identify, contain, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities and intrusions.
  • Perform analyses to validate established security requirements and recommend additional safeguards.
  • Provide occasional briefings to senior staff on forensics investigation results.
Experience Requirements:
  • Programming with Python, C++, or JavaScript.
  • Evidence acquisition and Chain of Custody process.
  • Host, cloud, identity, and network forensics experience.
  • Packet capture, volatile memory, suspicious script analysis, and forensics experience.
  • Familiarity with physical device imaging software and digital forensics software.
  • Knowledge of IDS/IPS, firewalls, and anti-malware technologies.
  • Incident response experience.
  • Experience analyzing security alerts via Microsoft Sentinel SIEM or similar SIEM tools.
  • Malware analysis technical report writing.
  • Adherence to SOC Standard Operating Procedures.
Education Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Two years of related experience is highly preferred. Additional experience may substitute for education. Relevant certification required: Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE), Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE), Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE), GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), or similar certification. Required background screenings include County Live Scan, Child Support Services background clearance, and County Probation background.
Recruitment Transparency Notice
 
Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team (noreply@eliassen.com, 781-808-2924) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.
 

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following:

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact fraud@eliassen.com.

 
About Eliassen Group:
 
Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.
 
Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.
 
Don’t miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!
 
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About Eliassen Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eliassen Group provides strategic consulting and talent solutions to drive our clients' innovation and business results. Our purpose is to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities in which we operate. Leveraging over 30 years of success, our expertise in talent solutions, life sciences consulting, Agile consulting, cloud services, risk management, business optimization, and managed services enables us to partner with our clients to execute their business strategy and scale effectively. Headquartered in Reading, MA, and with offices from coast to coast, Eliassen Group offers local community presence and deep networks, as well as national reach.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reading, MA, US

Year founded

1989

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