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Forensics Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Analyst

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$60K/yr

Company Description Integral Forensics applies systematic engineering methods to evaluate ... Compensation * Salary starting at $60,000+ annually , commensurate with experience and ...

H2M's Industrial Hygiene and Forensics team supports clients, insurers, and project partners by ... The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $160,000 annually. A s part of your role, you may be ...

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Forensics Engineer Salary information

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$43.5K

$115.4K

$167.5K

How much do forensics engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics engineer salary in the United States is $115,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid job in forensics?

The highest paid jobs in forensics are often senior forensic scientists, forensic laboratory managers, or forensic directors, who typically hold advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles can earn six-figure salaries, especially in government agencies or private consulting firms, and often require specialized certifications and leadership skills.

What are some common challenges Forensics Engineers face during investigations?

Forensics Engineers often encounter the challenge of working with incomplete or degraded evidence, which requires strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving. They must also stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technology to properly analyze digital and physical evidence. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other specialists is frequent, demanding clear communication and meticulous documentation to ensure findings are legally admissible. Additionally, tight deadlines and the pressure of high-stakes cases can make time management and resilience essential traits for success in this role.

What is the difference between Forensics Engineer Salary vs Forensic Scientist Salary?

AspectForensics Engineer SalaryForensic Scientist Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, certifications in forensic engineeringBachelor's or master's in forensic science, certifications in forensic analysis
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, accident sites, legal settingsCrime labs, research facilities, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryEngineering firms, insurance companies, legal firmsLaw enforcement, government agencies, private labs

Both roles involve analyzing evidence, but Forensics Engineers focus on engineering failures and accident reconstructions, while Forensic Scientists analyze biological, chemical, or physical evidence. Salary differences depend on experience, location, and industry, but generally, Forensics Engineers tend to earn slightly higher due to specialized engineering expertise.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Forensics engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive, specialized consulting, or senior engineering roles in high-demand industries. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions within a company or firm.

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

To thrive as a Forensics Engineer, a strong background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and a relevant degree such as in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering is essential. Familiarity with specialized forensic analysis software, data recovery tools, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Forensic Consultant (CFC) are often required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help professionals excel when investigating and explaining complex incidents. These abilities are crucial for providing accurate, credible analyses and expert testimony in legal and investigative contexts.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of forensics engineering, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are typically associated with senior-level professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often managerial responsibilities. Such high earnings are more common in consulting roles, those working in high-demand industries, or with advanced certifications and a strong reputation in the field.

Is forensic engineering a good career?

Forensic engineering is a specialized field involving the investigation of failures and accidents to determine causes, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles. It can be a rewarding career with opportunities in consulting, insurance, and legal settings, and typically requires relevant engineering experience and certifications. Job stability and salary potential vary based on experience, location, and industry demand.

What is the average salary of a Forensics Engineer?

The average salary of a Forensics Engineer in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while those with advanced skills or certifications can earn significantly more. Forensics Engineers working in specialized fields or for government agencies may also receive higher compensation. Additional benefits and bonuses can further increase total earnings.
More about Forensics Engineer Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensics Engineer Salary jobs? Cities with the most Forensics Engineer Salary job openings:
What states have the most Forensics Engineer Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensics Engineer Salary jobs include:
Forensic Structural Engineer, Colorado III

Forensic Structural Engineer, Colorado III

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site, Remote

$125K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Forensic Structural Engineer, Colorado III

At Haag, a Salas O’Brien company, we’ve been a trusted leader in forensic engineering and consulting since 1924, helping clients solve complex, high-stakes problems when it matters most. We’re known for technical excellence, integrity, and clear, defensible conclusions. We’re equally committed to building a career environment where talented engineers can do their best work, grow their expertise, and make a real impact.

In June2024, Haag merged with Salas O’Brien, expanding what’s possible for our team. Haag remains focused on forensic engineering, and we now offer the added strength of a broader, employee-owned organization. This brings deeper technical resources, expanded collaboration, and more opportunities to build your career across a wide range of disciplines and industries.

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We are engineered for impact, and we bring that same commitment to our people as we do to our projects. We live our values every day: Inspire, Achieve, and Connect, as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for energy, manufacturing and industrial process, data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to deliver outstanding client outcomes and build long-term careers.

Job Summary: We’re seeking an experienced Forensic Structural Engineer in the Denver, CO area. In this remote/home office role, you will investigate and evaluate the cause and extent of structural damage resulting from storms, natural disasters, fires/explosions, construction/design defects, accidents, foundation movement, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Forensic Investigations: Conduct site inspections to determine the cause, origin, and extent of structural damage; evaluate failure modes and contributing factors.
  • Analysis & Reporting: Develop clear, well-supported conclusions and produce high-quality technical reports, documentation, and deliverables.
  • Client Communication: Provide timely, professional updates to clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders; proactively close communication gaps and manage expectations.
  • Collaboration & Independence: Work independently from a home office while leveraging internal experts and resources; build long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.
  • Project Ownership: Drive issues to resolution with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations and applicable standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas that strengthen processes, tools, and customer outcomes; help others navigate change and adopt improvements.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience:

  • 2+ years of forensic engineering experience required; 5–10 years preferred.
  • Must be able to work independently and with a cross-functional team of experts.
  • Strong technical writing skills are required; the ability to write effective reports is critical. Strong verbal communication skills are necessary; you should be an effective communicator in face-to-face interactions.
  • The ability to provide the utmost in customer service to our clients is a must.
  • Technical proficiency with computers, phones, cameras, etc.
  • Expert Witness experience is preferred.
  • You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or any restrictions.

Licensure:

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Illinois is required, or eligible by reciprocity.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

  • Ability to perform fieldwork, including confined spaces and roof inspections.
  • Must be able to carry ladders and operate required equipment.
  • Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally by vehicle or plane as needed.
  • Some overnight travel will be required. However, most investigations can be done without overnight travel.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a closely related degree from an ABET-accredited university required.
  • Master of Science Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering preferred.

Location:

  • Remote (home office) – Denver, CO area

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Base salary range: $125,000 – $185,000 per year.
  • In addition to the base salary, the compensation plan includes additional, nondiscretionary compensation based on billable productivity above a minimum threshold. Employees may elect at any time to transition to a model based primarily on a higher percentage of their billable rate applied to all billable hours worked. In practice, most employees choose to transition between approximately one and three years, once their billable hours support consistently higher earnings under this model.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.