| In a world where crooks are becoming more | | | | consulting firms sometimes pay a bit more than their |
| computer proficient and for every fix there is an | | | | larger counterparts, though the market is extremely |
| "undo" created, the field of computer forensics is | | | | competitive right now and promises to stay that way. |
| paying big bucks. Though there are not currently a lot | | | | Computer forensic team supervisors or managers can |
| of stringent or even specific education or experience | | | | expect their salaries to fall within the $150,000 and |
| requirements in place, only due to the novelty of this up | | | | higher range. |
| and coming field, you can expect that training and | | | | So, picture this scenario. You are out of work. You |
| experience will elevate you to "highly sought after" | | | | have at least a few years of management under your |
| status very quickly. | | | | belt and you are smarter than average when it comes |
| Salaries tend to vary widely at this point. For example, | | | | to computer knowledge. Or, maybe you even worked |
| those who are working in the public or government | | | | in programming or as an analyst, but now find yourself |
| sector, such as civilians working for law enforcement, | | | | looking for another job due to RIF or other economic |
| computer knowledgeable police officers, military | | | | factors. Courses are now being offered at almost |
| personnel with specialized training and civilian | | | | every major and minor university and college, for both |
| contractors working for government or state agencies | | | | online and in class instruction. As this field is still |
| will be on the lower end of the pay scale. They are | | | | somewhat undefined and floundering when it comes to |
| normally paid a pre-determined salary and in today's | | | | the requirements needed, wouldn't you find yourself in |
| economy it has become clear that many states and | | | | a fantastic position if you were to take the necessary |
| localities are operating in the red. That said, this is a | | | | courses and become certified in computer forensics? |
| field that cannot be cut. The risks are too great to | | | | In fact, even those who are midway through their |
| ignore the need for this specialized form of crime | | | | courses are being recruited for positions and are often |
| fighting and regardless of budget constraints, you can | | | | being reimbursed for their educational expenses as a |
| expect to have a salary in the starting range of | | | | bonus. And the cost of these courses are minimal |
| $50,000 to $75,000. Of course, your earning potential | | | | compared to a college degree. These are certification |
| can fluctuate based on your experience, college | | | | courses, not degree courses. |
| degrees you may have, secret clearances and upon | | | | In the field of computer forensics, the potential for |
| your more recent training. | | | | promotion and growth is truly amazing. The starting |
| In the private sector your options are much broader, | | | | salaries are evidence of the widespread need for new |
| especially when it comes to geographic location. You | | | | expertise in this field. You can be assured that your |
| can expect to make top dollar in areas like London, | | | | days will not be dull and that job security will probably |
| Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., | | | | not be an issue. And, you will be way ahead of the |
| Chicago and other highly concentrated metropolitan | | | | game when educational requirements are finally put |
| areas around the world. Even with limited experience | | | | into place if you have been proactive and shown the |
| and no formal training, you can land a job for | | | | initiative to further your forensic education. What are |
| somewhere around $50,000 annually. Smaller | | | | you waiting for? |