What's A Computer Forensics Salary Worth
|
|
Do you want an annual starting salary of around $50,000? That's what you can expect with the computer forensics salary. But beware, you will earn every penny of your pay because the job definitely requires skill, credentials and experience. If you love computers and enjoy challenges, you will thrive in the world of computer forensics.
Specialist. Analyst. Examiner. Investigator. You're known by many titles. But whatever they call the position it's really being a detective looking for evidence and clues to help solve crimes committed using computers and other digital media like cellphones, PDAs or even cameras. And the increase in cyber crimes – identity theft, fraud and pedophilia through the internet – have pushed the demand for these specialists to safeguard information systems and combat crime.
Serving the public sector
The computer forensics salary will vary depending on whether you are in public or private practice, and the location of your workplace. The computer forensic salary average in Minnesota is $69,000, while California forensic specialists earn an average of $76,000. Maine has the lowest average with $56,000, while West Virginia gives the highest at $97,000.
You may already be working in the field of law enforcement or even the military and specializing in computer forensics. Unfortunately, they really don't get to enjoy the competitive rates for the profession because of the fixed pay scales in government service.
However, if you're a civilian offering your services as computer forensic expert to government agencies like the police department or military then you have better chances of charging more for your work. And if you're good, they will pay.
The average computer forensic salary in the public sector is between $47,000 to $80,000. That's mainly for your expertise, which you should have developed through education, training and experience.
Police officers can specialize and be computer forensic analysts by taking up computer forensics training through boot camps that lasts between a day to 12 weeks. Even those whose prior experience is as forensic science technician can apply their skills and knowledge to this field provided they get appropriate training.
You'll want validation for your qualifications to perform the job so you also have to work towards a computer forensics certification. A college degree or as many formal courses in computer forensics are good foundations for this career.
Working in a private capacity
If you've proven your competence and expertise, you can join the ranks of private consultants providing computer forensic services. And you can work with both government law enforcement or criminal justice agencies and the private sector like law firms, detective agencies or computer security firms.
You'll usually sign a contract outlining your services, and a retainer fee is usually paid. Typically, retainers are $1,000 for each hard drive examined for the client. In addition, hourly fees for computer forensic services are also charged and these range from $200 to $400 per hour.
You may be employed in a consulting firm or offer professional services as freelancer if you have the network and business savvy. Vast experience and credibility will build a reputation that can enable you to earn even up to six figure salaries.
Remember, your job is to search for information and data that will help prove or disprove the commission of a crime using sophisticated technology and equipment. If you're persistent, creative, very detailed and don't give up on challenges, there is no reason you can't earn the computer forensic salary you deserve.
|
|
|
