The Average Salary of Computer Forensics
Computer forensic investigators gather evidence on computers that law enforcement can use in cases against criminals. The forensic investigator can recover financial information, emails and documentation that provide evidence for a criminal case, even after the erasing or deletion of data. An education in computer science, accounting and finance is helpful in the career of a computer forensics expert.
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Industries
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Computer forensic professionals can work in law enforcement, information technology, finance and for the government. The salary a computer forensic investigator earns can depend on the industry. For example, investigators who work as government contractors earn a salary between $55,378 and $86,451, while workers in legal services earn a lower salary, between $50,090 and $81,441.
Education
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Computer forensic professionals typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, colleges and universities may offer degree programs in computer forensics. Forensic investigators in finance may have additional education in accounting and finance.
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Location
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Geographic location affects the salary of the computer forensic investigator. Workers in Washington D.C. earned the highest salary range in the United States with annual earnings between $52,381 and $109,616, while workers in New York City earned a salary range of $40,000 and $71,899, as of November 2010.
Bonuses
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Computer forensics workers may also earn bonuses from the employer during the year, which adds to the yearly income. The experience of the worker affects the average size of the bonus, according to PayScale.com. For example, workers with 10 to 19 years experience in computer forensics earned a median bonus of $5,139, while workers with less than a year of experience earned a median bonus of $2,150.
Benefits
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Salary is not the only value employees earn from a position with an organization. Employees can consider benefits the company offers as a part of the salary package, which can make a position attractive with an employer. The most popular benefits an employer may offer computer forensic employees include 401(k), paid holidays, vacation time, insurance and sick time, according to PayScale.com.
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References
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