Salary of a Forensic Computer Analyst
Think of forensic computer analysts as high-technology detectives. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal government agency in the Department of Labor, classifies forensic computer analysts as a type of detective or investigator. Salaries for forensic computer specialists vary by employer. Some analysts work for law enforcement agencies, applying their knowledge of computer systems to criminal law, while others work in the private sector. Forensic computer experts in the private sector generally earn higher salaries than their counterparts in police departments and other government organizations.
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Average Salary
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Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that detectives and investigators, including forensic computer examiners, earned an average of $47,130 a year in 2009. However, their specialized knowledge of information technology ensures that most forensic computer analysts earn salaries above this average. The bureau reported that investigators in local government units, such as law enforcement agencies, earned an average of $50,600 a year. Meanwhile, salaries for forensic computer examiners employed by consulting firms, telecommunications companies and computer systems firms ranged from $74,800 to $79,380 a year.
Identification
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Forensic computer examiners are also known as digital forensics examiners. The website ForensicScience.net reported data from SimplyHired.com that indicates digital forensic experts earned an average salary of $61,000 a year in 2009.
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Geography
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In addition to type of employer, geographic location also influences the earnings of a computer forensics expert. The bureau reported that investigators in Virginia, New Mexico and New Jersey earn some of the highest salaries for forensic computer analysts and other types of detectives and investigators. Salaries in these states ranged from $61,750 a year in New Jersey to $68,420 a year in Virginia. In contrast, salaries in Tennessee, Missouri and Minnesota ranged from $38,650 to $41,330 a year.
Potential
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2008 that the rise in computer-related crimes, including identity theft, email harassment and the illegal sharing and downloaded of copyright-protected materials, including music and films, will fuel an increase in demand for computer forensic experts. The best opportunities will be for computer experts with a bachelor's degree and forensic certification from such organizations as the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. This organization offers a series of courses that lead to designation as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner.
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References
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