Digital Forensics Analysts

SOC code 15-1299 · O*NET-SOC 15-1299.06 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and new and emerging for this occupation

Digital Forensics Analysts pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$116,580

a year

Hourly

$56.05

per hour

10th$55,940Median$116,58090th$188,470

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$122,230

$58.77 per hour

Middle 50%

$79,370 – $157,500

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$55,940 – $188,470

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

435,370

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Computer Occupations, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $55,940; $26.89/hr
25th percentile: $79,370; $38.16/hr
Median percentile: $116,580; $56.05/hr
75th percentile: $157,500; $75.72/hr
90th percentile: $188,470; $90.61/hr

What does a digital forensics analyst do?

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.

The tasks that matter most 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.

How to become a digital forensics analyst

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a digital forensics analyst earn?

The national median is $116,580 a year. The full range runs from $55,940 at the 10th percentile to $188,470 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a digital forensics analyst without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Writing3.5/5
Speaking3.5/5
Active Learning3.4/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.7/5
Law and Government3.7/5
English Language3.7/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Telecommunications2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis.