Table of contents
What jobs can you get with a criminal justice degree?
If this is you, pondering on this question, you’ve come to the right place.
The field of criminal justice plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, upholding justice, and ensuring public safety.
With a diverse range of career paths, criminal justice jobs offer exciting opportunities for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on society.
To give you some statistics, the fields of criminal investigations and cybersecurity are expected to experience a remarkable surge in job growth, with projected rates as high as 33% by 2030 and the average annual salary of these professionals ranges between $51k and $121k.
In this guide, we will walk you through all the best criminal justice jobs that you can land, along with their job requirements, and tips on how to bag these jobs.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
- What is the meaning of criminal justice jobs?
- What are some of the best criminal justice degree jobs?
- What are the highest-paying criminal justice jobs?
- What are some entry-level criminal justice jobs?
Understanding the Criminal Justice Industry
The term criminal justice industry encompasses a wide range of professions and disciplines dedicated to preventing and addressing crime, enforcing laws, and administering justice.
From law enforcement officers and legal professionals to forensic experts and correctional officers, the individuals working in the criminal justice sector contribute to the functioning of the justice system.
One of the key aspects of the criminal justice industry is its commitment to safeguarding communities and protecting individuals from criminal activities.
Law enforcement agencies play a vital role in preventing crimes, conducting investigations, and apprehending offenders.
Additionally, legal professionals, such as lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, ensure the fair application of laws and provide legal representation.
The field of criminal justice also extends to areas such as corrections, rehabilitation, and cybersecurity.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Jobs
Given below are some of the most common criminal justice jobs that you can consider pursuing:
Police Officer
- Job Duties: Enforcing laws, responding to emergency calls, conducting investigations, patrolling assigned areas, and ensuring public safety.
- Job Requirements: High school diploma or GED, completion of police academy training, and passing a background check and physical fitness test.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for police officers is around $67,290.
Detective
- Job Duties: Conducting investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, analyzing case information, and preparing reports.
- Job Requirements: Typically requires several years of experience as a police officer, specialized training in investigations, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Average Salary: Detectives earn an average annual salary of approximately $86,030.
Probation Officer
- Job Duties: Supervising individuals on probation, assessing their progress, providing guidance and support, and enforcing court-ordered conditions.
- Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, completion of training programs, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for probation officers is around $54,290.
Correctional Officer
- Job Duties: Maintaining security within correctional facilities, supervising inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring safety.
- Job Requirements: High school diploma or GED, completion of correctional officer training, and passing a background check and physical fitness test.
- Average Salary: Correctional officers earn an average annual salary of approximately $48,180. **
Forensic Scientist
- Job Duties: Analyzing and examining evidence collected from crime scenes, conducting laboratory tests, interpreting results, and presenting findings in court.
- Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field, specialized training in forensic techniques, and attention to detail.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for forensic scientists is around $61,220.
Paralegal
- Job Duties: Assisting lawyers in legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for trials.
- Job Requirements: Associate degree or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, strong organizational and research skills, and knowledge of legal procedures.
- Average Salary: Paralegals earn an average annual salary of approximately $52,920.
Crime Scene Investigator
- Job Duties: Collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes, documenting findings, and collaborating with other investigators.
- Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field, knowledge of evidence collection techniques, and attention to detail.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for crime scene investigators is around $60,910.
Legal Secretary
- Job Duties: Assisting attorneys with administrative tasks, managing calendars, preparing legal documents, and communicating with clients.
- Job Requirements: High school diploma or GED, specialized training in legal procedures, excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Average Salary: Legal secretaries earn an average annual salary of approximately $48,390.
Federal Agent
- Job Duties: Investigating federal crimes, enforcing federal laws, conducting surveillance, executing warrants, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies.
- Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and meeting the specific requirements of the federal agency, such as passing background checks and physical fitness tests.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for federal agents varies depending on the specific agency and position. For example, FBI special agents earn a starting salary of around $63,000 to $69,000.
Forensic Psychologist
- Job Duties: Applying psychological principles and research to criminal investigations, assessing criminal behavior, evaluating offenders, and providing expert testimony in court.
- Job Requirements Doctoral degree in psychology, specialized training in forensic psychology, state licensure, and strong analytical and research skills.
- Average Salary: The average annual salary for forensic psychologists is around $80,370.
Highest Paying Criminal Justice Jobs
The majority of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs require extensive experience in the field.
If you are a seasoned professional looking to advance your criminal justice career, listed below are some of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs you can get:
Chief Legal Officer: The average annual salary for chief legal officers, who are responsible for overseeing legal operations within organizations, is around $214,175.
Federal Judge: Federal judges preside over federal cases and make legal decisions and their average annual salary can range from $208,000 to $267,000.
Legal Services Director: Legal services directors are responsible for managing legal departments and providing strategic legal guidance. The average annual salary for these professionals is approximately $175,000.
Compliance Manager: The average annual salary for compliance managers, who ensure that organizations adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, is around $107,000.
Forensic Psychologist (Private Practice): The average annual salary for forensic psychologists in private practice can range from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and clientele.
Entry-level Criminal Justice Jobs
Although most senior criminal justice jobs require experience, all is not lost for freshers and recent graduates with criminal justice degrees.
Given below are some of the best jobs for criminal justice majors:
Juvenile Probation Officer: Juvenile probation officers work specifically with young offenders who are placed on probation. They assess the needs of juveniles, create rehabilitation plans, and monitor their progress. The average annual salary for juvenile probation officers is around $48,300.
Crime Scene Technician: Crime scene technicians are responsible for processing and analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes. They document and collect evidence, take photographs, and ensure proper preservation and chain of custody. The average annual salary for crime scene technicians is approximately $59,150.
Loss Prevention Specialist: Loss prevention specialists work in retail and commercial settings to prevent theft and protect assets. They monitor surveillance systems, conduct investigations, and implement security measures to minimize loss. The average annual salary for loss prevention specialists is around $35,730.
Forensic Science Technician: Forensic science technicians collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. They conduct laboratory tests, examine and document evidence, and provide scientific support for criminal investigations. The average annual salary for forensic science technicians is approximately $61,220.
Private Investigator: Private investigators conduct investigations, gather evidence, and provide surveillance services for clients in legal, corporate, or personal matters. They may specialize in various areas such as background checks, insurance fraud, or missing persons cases. The average annual salary for private investigators is around $50,090.
Legal Assistant: Legal assistants provide support to lawyers and legal professionals. They assist with preparing legal documents, conducting research, organizing case files, and providing administrative assistance. The average annual salary for legal assistants is approximately $52,920.
FAQs on Criminal Justice Jobs
- What is the highest-paying criminal justice job?
The highest-paying criminal justice job is a Chief Legal Officer (CLO) or General Counsel, with an average annual salary ranging from $165,000 to $215,000 or more, depending on the organization and level of experience.
- What is the salary of a criminologist in India?
The salary of a criminologist in India can vary depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, and the organization they work for. On average, a criminologist in India can earn a salary ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per year.
- How to become a criminologist?
To become a criminologist, one typically needs to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or research opportunities, developing strong analytical and research skills, and staying updated on advancements in the field are valuable steps to pursuing a career as a criminologist.
- What jobs can I get with a criminal justice degree?
With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue various career paths including roles such as law enforcement officer, probation officer, forensic analyst, crime scene investigator, or legal researcher.
Wish to make a stellar resume and cover letter for criminal justice jobs? Use Hiration’s ChatGPT powered resume and cover letter builder with 24x7 chat support. If you have any questions, you can also reach us at support{@}hiration.com.
Build your resume in 10 minutes
Use the power of AI & HR approved resume examples and templates to build professional, interview ready resumes
Share this blog
FAQs
15+ Best Criminal Justice Jobs that You Can Land in 2023? ›
Working in the criminal justice system can mean job opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work in police departments, federal law enforcement agencies, prisons, and courthouses across the country. They also patrol the streets and protect public safety.
What are potential career opportunities in criminal justice? ›Working in the criminal justice system can mean job opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work in police departments, federal law enforcement agencies, prisons, and courthouses across the country. They also patrol the streets and protect public safety.
What is the projected growth for criminal justice? ›The BLS projects the employment of police officers to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029. For forensic science technicians, the 2019 median annual salary was $59,150, with a 14% projected increase in demand from 2019 to 2029.
What is the closest degree to criminal justice? ›Criminology. Criminology majors also study the justice system, but their main goal is to understand crime itself. They investigate the causes of crime and try to get inside the criminal mind.
What position in the FBI makes the most money? ›The highest-paid FBI agents are supervisors FBI special agents. It is important to note that FBI agents are by no means wealthy, but they earn enough to live comfortably. They also can travel, qualify for promotions and develop their skills.
Do FBI agents get paid good? ›The salary earned by FBI agents varies based on experience, position, and assignment location, among other factors. All agents enter the Bureau at a minimum pay level of GL-10, or $52,440 per year as of 2021, and most achieve a GS-13 pay level, or $79,468 per year as of 2021, within five years of service.
What is criminal opportunities? ›A crime of opportunity is a crime that is committed without planning when the perpetrator sees that they have the chance to commit the act at that moment and seizes it. Such acts have little or no premeditation.
What is a career goal for criminal justice? ›Criminal justice career goals can include earning a master's degree in a related field like public administration, law enforcement, sociology or corrections. Earning a master's degree or a doctorate could lead to jobs as a city administrator, prison warden, researcher or college professor.
What is criminal justice forensic science? ›Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.
What is one of the fastest growing crimes in America? ›Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in America, accounting for losses in the billions of dollars every year.
Is criminology a growing field? ›
Criminology graduates generally have a positive career outlook to look forward to. If we take a look at the job outlook of sociologists, which typically includes criminologists, the employment rate is projected to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
What will be the demand for CSI in the next 5 years? ›Are Crime Scene Investigator Jobs In Demand? Yes, crime scene investigator jobs are in demand. The job market for analysts is projected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Are criminal justice degrees worth it? ›A criminal justice major is an excellent choice, especially if you're interested in criminal justice jobs in areas like law enforcement, prison reform and the judicial system.
Is it better to major in criminology or criminal justice? ›Those who graduate with a degree in criminal justice may be more likely to defend their neighborhoods and seek to curb criminal activity, while those who study criminology perhaps are more interested in getting to know the perpetrators and understanding their motivations.
Which is better BA or BS in criminal justice? ›In terms of long-term goals, a BA in criminal justice may benefit students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement administration, criminology or corrections. A BS in criminal justice may benefit students interested in pursuing careers in fraud investigation, forensic science or paralegal work.
Is criminology a good major? ›Criminology degree jobs are focused on the investigation of crimes, apprehension of criminals, and development of crime reduction efforts. As such, these can be rewarding careers that allow graduates to contribute to their community and society as a whole. It offers an engaging work environment.
How do you become a criminal profiler? ›To become a criminal profiler, you'll need a bachelor's degree, training at a law enforcement academy and work experience in an investigative field. A criminal profiler uses several skills, including attention to detail, active listening and critical analysis, to experience success in their work.