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Forensics Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Computer Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$78K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The successful candidate conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence ... Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render ...

Forensic Computer Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Functional Purpose Conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support ...

Criminalist Level I-IV

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$74K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

A master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related scientific field may be substituted for one year of required experience for levels II - IV. Note: If the word ...

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site +1

$128K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render ... Maintains quality control of forensic work products by conducting ongoing technical work reviews of ...

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Functional Purpose Conducts complex and difficult forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies and forensic techniques in support of ...

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field; three years paid experience as a Forensic Identification Specialist or the ...

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Torrance, CA · On-site

$8.8K - $11K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field; three years paid experience as a Forensic Identification Specialist or the ...

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Forensics Science information

See California salary details

$35K

$51.7K

$77.5K

How much do forensics science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics science in California is $51,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is forensics a good career?

Forensics science is a viable career for individuals interested in criminal justice, laboratory analysis, and evidence examination. It typically requires a degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Job prospects can vary based on location and experience, with opportunities in law enforcement agencies, private labs, and research institutions.

What kind of jobs do forensic scientists do?

Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA, fingerprints, and blood samples, to help solve crimes. They often work in laboratories or crime labs, using scientific techniques and tools, and may prepare reports or testify in court. Their work requires attention to detail, knowledge of biology or chemistry, and adherence to legal standards.

What is the difference between Forensics Science vs Crime Scene Investigation?

AspectForensics ScienceCrime Scene Investigation
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field; certifications like ASQF or FEPHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; sometimes certifications in crime scene processing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, sometimes crime scenes for analysisOn-site at crime scenes, evidence collection, and scene processing
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, private labs, government agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments, crime units
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on laboratory analysis and evidence interpretationFocuses on evidence collection and scene processing

While both careers are integral to criminal investigations, Forensics Science professionals analyze evidence in labs, whereas Crime Scene Investigators focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or educational focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Forensics Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensics Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensics Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,711 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Forensic Computer Analyst

U.S. Postal Service

Anaheim, CA • On-site, Remote

$78K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 hours ago


Job description

Summary
Come join the U.S. Postal Service!
The successful candidate conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support of criminal and administrative investigations.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  1. Conducts forensic examinations of digital and other multimedia evidence through the application of scientific practices for the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory purposes.
  2. Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render conclusions, form opinions and produce reports utilizing a full range of electronic search methods and forensic examination techniques.
  3. Provides expert witness testimony; produces comprehensive reports and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain evidence interpretations and conclusions from forensic examinations and scientific data to a lay audience.
  4. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical advisor in matters relating to the proper collection, preservation, packaging, and submission of digital and multimedia evidence; participates in crime scene evidence collection activities in major field investigations; ensures evidence handling requirements are met.
  5. Performs ongoing evaluation and validation of laboratory instrumentation and methods, operating protocols, and safety practices under supervision; maintains awareness of safety procedures and identifies possible physical conditions and/or laboratory procedures that may create unsafe conditions.
  6. Delivers training in laboratory services, evidence collection, crime scene processing and field examination.
  7. Conducts studies and research for improving forensic analyses, scientific methods, and resolving forensic examination problems.
  8. Acts as liaison with postal management and federal, state, and local organizations on technical developments, forensic methods, and investigative problems of common interest.
  9. Analyzes systems to assist with network intrusion and cybersecurity investigations to determine the cause and extent of a breach.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  1. Must be a determined suitable for federal employment.
  2. You will be required to obtain and maintain a MBI security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  3. Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement to be drug free.
  4. SPECIAL NOTE: Current career USPS and USPIS employees are ineligible to apply for this posting.

Qualifications
  1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions, and provide testimony as an expert witness before state, federal or other judicial bodies.
  2. Ability to provide training related to laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.
  3. Knowledge of evidence collection, preservation, packaging and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters and to ensure evidence handling requirements are met.
  4. Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, research methodologies, quality assurance standards and computer forensic and cyber security examination procedures, instrumentation and software sufficient to properly access, preserve, and extract appropriate evidence from a variety of media and conduct detailed and complex analyses and interpretation of the value of evidentiary items.
  5. Ability to render conclusions/opinions and make recommendations based on forensic practices of recognition, collection, and interpretation of digital and multimedia evidence related to computer forensic examinations.
  6. Ability to conduct and document scientific research related to computer forensic examinations.
  7. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's degree in computer sciences, forensic science, or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accreditation organization recognized and sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015 are exempt from this requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: CERTIFICATION: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)
Qualified applicant must successfully pass a drug screening.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The salary will be based on previous experience, and current postal pay policies. We offer excellent benefits including health and life insurance, retirement plan, savings/investment plan with employer contribution, flexible spending, flextime scheduling of core work hours, annual and sick leave.