Computer & Mathematical
Digital Forensics Analysts
Also called: Computer Forensics Analyst, Digital Forensic Examiner, Digital Forensics Examiner, Digital Forensics Specialist
US median pay
$116,580
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
27,000
471,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.
What they do day to day
- Duplicate digital evidence to use for data recovery and analysis procedures.
- Preserve and maintain digital forensic evidence for analysis.
- Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
- Write reports, sign affidavits, or give depositions for legal proceedings.
- Perform forensic investigations of operating or file systems.
- Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
- Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations, policies or other issuances pertaining to digital forensics or information privacy.
- Write technical summaries to report findings.
- Perform file signature analysis to verify files on storage media or discover potential hidden files.
- Recover data or decrypt seized data.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.7/5
- Law and Government3.7/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.