The computer forensics field is exploding due to the increased occurrence and awareness of internet and computer crimes. Entering this field can be very rewarding. Computer forensic professionals can expect to earn $50,000 to $60,000 with a minimum level of job experience. Although many computer forensic specialists work in law enforcement, there are also several other job opportunities in consulting, financial sectors and academia. Those who would like to enter this exciting new field should at least have a two-year associate's degree. A bachelor's degree in computer forensics or related field is not necessary, but will open doors to a wider variety of computer forensics jobs.

Most computer forensics professionals work in law enforcement. Although this sector pays less than others do, those in law enforcement can expect to receive excellent benefits. If you decide to work in law enforcement, you can become a computer forensic investigator or computer forensic director. These computer forensics jobs have similar responsibilities. Both jobs will retrieve information from computers that can be presented as evidence in a trial. Computer forensic investigators will need an extensive knowledge of both computers and the legal system.

There are also many computer forensics jobs in the private sector. If you do not wish to work in law enforcement, you can seek employment with a private company. Many companies are concerned about the risk of security breaches, cybercrime, and fraud. Your job at these companies will be to search through encrypted files, prevent breaches, and gather evidence if necessary. Computer forensics investigators with years of experience can also work as consultants. A position in a consulting firm can be very lucrative, as consultants often charge their clients $300 to $600 per hour. These positions also allow computer forensic professionals to delegate management responsibilities to someone else.

Companies in the financial sector also require computer forensics professionals. Many banks and other financial institutions will hire computer forensics investigators to both prevent and investigate crime. These institutions often feel that law enforcement response is too slow for their taste. Instead of contacting the police, banks often use in-house computer forensic investigators to investigate crimes. Financial institutions can then contact law enforcement with the evidence needed to make a conviction. Although you will be performing similar work to those in law enforcement, these computer forensics jobs can be more financially rewarding.

Finally, computer forensics professionals who wish to pass their knowledge on to others can become teachers. These computer forensics jobs might not be the most lucrative, but often offer the most freedom. As an academic, you can teach, write books, research the topics of your choice, or even take part in government think tanks. Those considering a position in academia should have years of experience in the field. Alternatively, you can pursue an advanced degree such as a master's of Ph.D. in order to start teaching. You will generally teach classes at the undergraduate level, but this will depend on the school. Some schools do not offer any computer forensics classes for undergraduates.