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Hourly Wage for Digital Forensics Analyst I Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Digital Forensics Analyst I?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Digital Forensics Analyst I in the United States is $49, which translates to an annual salary of about $102,500.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $56 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45 to $53 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $45 10% $41 90% $56 75% $53 $49 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Digital Forensics Analyst I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $109,600 $9,133 $2,108 $53
Average $102,500 $8,542 $1,971 $49
25th Percentile $93,300 $7,775 $1,794 $45
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Key Factors That Influence Digital Forensics Analyst I Salaries

A Digital Forensics Analyst I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Digital Forensics Analyst Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Digital Forensics Analyst I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Digital Forensics Analyst I (2-4 years): $102,426
  • Digital Forensics Analyst II (4-7 years): $124,951
  • Digital Forensics Analyst III (7+ years): $144,555
  • Digital Forensics Analyst IV (7-10 years): $174,761
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Digital Forensics Analyst I2-4 years$102,426
Digital Forensics Analyst II4-7 years$124,951
Digital Forensics Analyst III7+ years$144,555
Digital Forensics Analyst IV7-10 years$174,761
$102,426 Digital F...
$124,951 Digital F...
$144,555 Digital F...
$174,761 Digital F...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Digital Forensics Analyst Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $129,200
  • San Francisco: $127,800
  • Oakland: $125,100

Digital Forensics Analyst I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Digital Forensics Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $114,743. While startup companies pay approximate $97,070.

Digital Forensics Analyst I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$97,070
Growth Stage51~500$102,663
Established501~5000$110,805
Enterprise5000+$114,743

Digital Forensics Analyst I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Digital Forensics Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Digital Forensics Analyst positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Digital Forensics Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Digital Forensics Analyst I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$112,750$54.010%
Biotechnology$112,750$54.010%
Financial Services$112,750$54.010%
Healthcare$112,750$54.010%
Software & Networking$112,750$54.010%

Digital Forensics Analyst I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Digital Forensics Analyst I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Digital Forensics Analyst I

Salaries for a Digital Forensics Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,453 in 2023 to around $94,971 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Digital Forensics Analyst I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Digital Forensics Analyst I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$96,453
2024
$96,400
2025
$94,971
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $96,453
2024 $96,400
2025 $94,971
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Digital Forensics Analyst I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Digital Forensics Analyst I

Here are companies hiring for Digital Forensics Analyst I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Digital Forensics Analyst I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Digital Forensics Analyst I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • KreilKamp Trucking

    Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

    20 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Payments Engineering. About the Company. Globally-recognized provider of corporate payment solutions. Industry. Financial Services. Type. P... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. About the Company. A multi-billion-dollar construction organization with collaborative, servant-minded leadershi... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Chief of Staff. About the Company. Innovative travel platform for booking & managing work trips. Industry. Computer Software. Type. Privately Held, VC-back... more

    22 Days Ago

  • McDonalds

    Columbus, OH

    McDonalds | Columbus, OH

    McDonald’s is seeking Crew Team Members to assist with daily restaurant operations including customer service, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant... more

    29 Days Ago

  • Amazon Flex

    Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex | Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex Delivery Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages to customers on scheduled delivery blocks. Drivers are responsible for pickin... more

    29 Days Ago

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FAQ about Digital Forensics Analyst I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Digital Forensics Analyst I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Digital Forensics Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Can you make 6 figures as a forensic scientist?

Yes, you can make six figures as a Digital Forensics Analyst. The salary range typically starts at $89,600, with a mid-level salary of $101,200, and can go up to $112,700. This means that experienced professionals in the field can indeed earn a six-figure income.

3. Do forensic scientists get paid well in USA?

Forensic scientists in the USA can expect competitive salaries. The minimum salary for a Digital Forensics Analyst is approximately $89,600, while the mid-range salary is around $101,200. The maximum salary can reach up to $112,700, indicating that professionals in this field can earn well above average compared to many other occupations.

4. What degree do I need to be a forensic analyst?

To become a Digital Forensics Analyst, a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may also prefer candidates with a master's degree or specialized certifications in digital forensics. The salary for this role ranges from $89,600 to $112,700, with a median salary of $101,200.

5. Does DFIR pay well?

Digital Forensics Analysts typically earn between $89,600 and $112,700 annually, with a median salary of around $101,200. This indicates a competitive salary range within the field, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in digital forensics and incident response. Overall, DFIR offers a solid earning potential.

6. Is a digital forensics degree worth it?

A digital forensics degree is worth it due to its high salary potential, with salaries ranging from $89,600 to $112,700. The specialized nature of the work and market demand lead to competitive compensation. Additionally, this degree opens doors to various roles, including digital forensic investigator and cybersecurity analyst.

7. What is the highest paying job in forensics?

One of the highest paying jobs in forensics is the Digital Forensics Analyst, with a salary range from $89,600 to $112,700, and a median salary of $101,200. This role involves analyzing digital evidence and requires specialized skills, making it a lucrative career choice in the forensic field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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