Computer and Mathematical · Holland code ICR

Digital Forensics Analysts

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.

Also called: Computer Forensics Analyst, Digital Forensic Examiner, Digital Forensics Examiner, Digital Forensics Specialist.

O*NET 15-1299.06

At a glance

US median annual pay: $116,580; Middle half earn $79,370 to $157,500. BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Preparation needed: Job Zone 4 of 5; Considerable preparation. Zone 1 is little or none; zone 5 is graduate-level.

What the work involves

The tasks workers in this occupation rate as most important, from the O*NET survey.

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.

Skills and knowledge it leans on

Skills

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

Importance ratings on O*NET’s 1 to 5 scale. Higher means the occupation depends on it more.

Who tends to enjoy it

How strongly this occupation draws on each of the six Holland interest types, which is the same profile the career interests test compares you against.

Realistic37
Investigative85
Artistic12
Social11
Enterprising28
Conventional84

The same work abroad

Other countries classify jobs differently, so these are the closest matches through the international ISCO-08 standard, not exact equivalents.

European occupation titles (ESCO)

ICT disaster recovery analyst · DE Analytiker für IT-Notfallwiederherstellung/Analytikerin für IT-Notfallwiederherstellung · FR analyste de la reprise des activités informatiques
digital forensics expert · DE IT-Forensik-Experte/IT-Forensik-Expertin · FR spécialiste de l’investigation numérique
ethical hacker · DE ethischer Hacker/ethische Hackerin · FR hacker éthique

Closest UK occupation groups (SOC 2020)

Cyber security professionals (2135)91,200 employed
IT quality and testing professionals (2136)32,600 employed
IT managers (2132)276,800 employed

Employment is the UK Annual Population Survey for April 2025 to March 2026, all workers in the group, which can be broader than this one occupation.

Pay across Europe, for the whole group

Median annual earnings of all employees in “Professionals”. This is the broad ISCO group this occupation falls in, not the occupation itself, so treat it as context for the wage level, not as a salary for this job.

Median annual earnings, Professionals, by country
Country	Median pay
Belgium	€61,714
Germany	€59,529
Ireland	€56,877
Austria	€55,374
Netherlands	€53,595
Sweden	€43,567
France	€41,515
Spain	€35,735
Italy	€33,649
Portugal	€26,072
Poland	€14,380

Eurostat Structure of Earnings Survey, businesses with ten or more employees outside public administration, in euro and not adjusted for the cost of living. Reference years differ between sources: the US, Japan and Europe figures on this page come from different survey years, so compare them as rough levels, not to the euro or yen.

Is it a fit for you?

Interest is one input, alongside ability, pay and what is hiring near you. The career interests test takes about thirteen minutes and ranks occupations by how closely their profile matches yours.

Take the career interests test