Earning a criminal justice degree opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling and challenging careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the justice system. With a solid foundation in criminal law, criminology, and criminal justice procedures, graduates with a criminal justice degree are well-equipped to pursue a variety of professional roles.
Law Enforcement
1. Police Officer
- Median Annual Salary: $67,290 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 7% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Police officers are responsible for protecting the public, enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and responding to emergencies. They work in a variety of settings, including local police departments, state highway patrols, and federal agencies.
2. Sheriff’s Deputy
- Median Annual Salary: $66,500 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 9% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Sheriff’s deputies provide law enforcement services at the county level. Their duties include patrolling unincorporated areas, serving warrants, and transporting prisoners.
3. State Trooper
- Median Annual Salary: $71,360 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 10% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
State troopers are responsible for enforcing state laws on highways and other state-owned property. They also provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies and respond to natural disasters.
4. Federal Agent
- Median Annual Salary: $123,480 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 5% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Federal agents enforce federal laws and investigate crimes that cross state lines. They work for agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Secret Service.
Corrections
5. Correctional Officer
- Median Annual Salary: $50,410 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 9% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Correctional officers are responsible for supervising and maintaining order in correctional facilities. They work with inmates of all ages and backgrounds, providing security, enforcing rules, and assisting with rehabilitation programs.
6. Probation and Parole Officer
- Median Annual Salary: $63,420 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 9% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Probation and parole officers supervise individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are serving their sentences in the community. They monitor compliance with court orders, provide guidance and support, and assist with rehabilitation efforts.
7. Case Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $57,370 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 15% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Case managers provide support and assistance to individuals with complex needs, including those involved in the criminal justice system. They develop and implement treatment plans, coordinate services, and advocate for their clients.
Other Criminal Justice Careers
8. Crime Scene Investigator
- Median Annual Salary: $62,770 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 14% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Crime scene investigators collect and analyze evidence at crime scenes. They work closely with law enforcement and forensic scientists to reconstruct events and identify suspects.
9. Victim Advocate
- Median Annual Salary: $55,550 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 16% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Victim advocates provide support and assistance to victims of crime. They help victims navigate the criminal justice system, access social services, and cope with the emotional and psychological effects of crime.
10. Juvenile Probation Officer
- Median Annual Salary: $63,280 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 9% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Juvenile probation officers supervise and assist youth who have been adjudicated delinquent. They work to rehabilitate youth and prevent future criminal behavior.
11. Forensic Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary: $81,770 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 14% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Forensic psychologists provide expert testimony in court cases and consult with law enforcement on issues related to criminal behavior and mental health. They also conduct psychological evaluations and provide treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
12. Criminal Justice Researcher
- Median Annual Salary: $82,930 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
- Job Outlook: 7% growth expected from 2021 to 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Criminal justice researchers conduct research on crime and criminal justice issues. They analyze data, write reports, and present their findings to inform policy and practice.
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for all criminal justice and law enforcement occupations was $66,400 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for criminal justice and law enforcement occupations is generally positive, with most occupations projected to grow faster than average or as fast as average over the next decade.
Education and Training
A criminal justice degree is a common educational requirement for many criminal justice careers. The degree typically covers topics such as criminal law, criminology, criminal justice administration, and law enforcement procedures. Some careers, such as federal agent and forensic psychologist, require additional specialized training or education.
Conclusion
A criminal justice degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of rewarding and challenging careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the justice system. With a solid understanding of criminal law, criminology, and criminal justice procedures, graduates with a criminal justice degree are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the pursuit of justice.
Tables
Table 1: Salary and Job Outlook for Law Enforcement Occupations
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (2021) | Job Outlook (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $67,290 | 7% growth |
| Sheriff’s Deputy | $66,500 | 9% growth |
| State Trooper | $71,360 | 10% growth |
| Federal Agent | $123,480 | 5% growth |
Table 2: Salary and Job Outlook for Corrections Occupations
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (2021) | Job Outlook (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officer | $50,410 | 9% growth |
| Probation and Parole Officer | $63,420 | 9% growth |
| Case Manager | $57,370 | 15% growth |
Table 3: Salary and Job Outlook for Other Criminal Justice Careers
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (2021) | Job Outlook (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Scene Investigator | $62,770 | 14% growth |
| Victim Advocate | $55,550 | 16% growth |
| Juvenile Probation Officer | $63,280 | 9% growth |
| Forensic Psychologist | $81,770 | 14% growth |
| Criminal Justice Researcher | $82,930 | 7% growth |
Table 4: Top 5 Criminal Justice Careers by Salary
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (2021) |
|---|---|
| Federal Agent | $123,480 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $81,770 |
| Criminal Justice Researcher | $82,930 |
| Police Officer | $67,290 |
| State Trooper | $71,360 |
