Whether you're just starting out with a bachelor’s degree or advancing with a master’s, careers in criminal justice offer a rich variety of options. From psychology positions to roles in social work, your criminal justice degree can be your key to making a meaningful impact in society.
But what if you’re aiming for something more specific? Wondering what the highest-paying job in criminal justice is, or exploring government jobs with a criminal justice degree? This article will guide you through the different careers in criminal justice, helping you discover where your degree can lead and how you can elevate your career prospects in this vital field.
15 careers in criminal justice you can pursue with your degree
If you're wondering what you can do with a criminal justice degree besides being a cop, be assured: The field offers a wide range of career paths including and beyond law enforcement.
We'll explore 15 exciting career ideas, backed by the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, considering factors such as educational requirements and average salary.
1. Police officer
Average annual salary: $76,550
Police officers are responsible for protecting the public, enforcing laws, and responding to emergencies. They patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, and arrest individuals suspected of criminal activity.
Education requirement: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, completion of police academy training, and passing physical and psychological evaluations.
2. Probation officer
Average annual salary: $67,880
Probation officers supervise offenders who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in prison. They ensure that these individuals adhere to the conditions of their probation and provide guidance to help them reintegrate into society.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work is usually required, along with on-the-job training.
3. Forensic scientist
Average annual salary: $71,540
Forensic scientists analyze evidence from crime scenes to help solve cases. They work in labs, utilizing scientific methods to examine DNA, fingerprints, and more.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, or a related field is typically required.
4. Correctional officer
Average annual salary: $76,840
Correctional officers manage and oversee inmates in prisons, ensuring safety and security within correctional facilities.
Education requirement: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
5. Paralegal
Average annual salary: $66,460
Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files, playing a crucial role in case preparation.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with a paralegal certification, is typically required.
6. Criminal investigator
Average annual salary: $95,930
Criminal investigators, or detectives, investigate crimes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to solve cases and apprehend suspects.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with law enforcement experience, is usually required.
7. Social worker
Average annual salary: $63,870
Social work careers in criminal justice focus on rehabilitating offenders and assisting them in reentering society. These professionals provide vital counseling, support services, and job placement help, ensuring that individuals have the resources they need to successfully integrate back into their communities.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in social work or criminal justice, with some positions requiring a master’s degree and state licensure.
8. Federal agent (FBI, DEA, ATF)
Average annual salary: $95,930
If you want to explore government jobs with a criminal justice degree, consider becoming a federal agent. These professionals work on complex cases such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and firearms violations, often in undercover roles or during high-profile arrests.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with extensive training at a federal academy.
9. Victim advocate
Average annual salary: $60,080
Victim advocates support crime victims, helping them navigate the legal system and cope with the emotional aftermath of their experiences.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology, along with specific training in victim advocacy.
10. Crime analyst
Average annual salary: $124,740
Crime analysts use data and statistics to identify patterns in criminal activity, aiding law enforcement in crime prevention strategies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a specific category for “Crime Analyst” as a distinct occupation. However, crime analysts often fall under broader categories such as “Information Security Analysts” or “Intelligence Analysts” depending on their specific role and the type of analysis they conduct.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field, with strong analytical skills.
11. Private investigator
Average annual salary: $60,270
Private investigators conduct investigations for private clients, handling cases involving personal matters, insurance claims, or corporate issues.
Education requirement: A high school diploma is required, but many private investigators have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. State licensure is also often required.
12. Court clerk
Average annual salary: $48,760 per year
Court clerks manage court records, assist with case management, and support judges and attorneys during trials.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field is often required.
13. Crime scene investigator (CSI)
Average annual salary: $71,540
Crime scene investigators, also known as forensic science technicians, are responsible for collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence at crime scenes. They work closely with law enforcement to ensure that all evidence is properly gathered and preserved for future analysis in laboratories.
Education requirement: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, along with specialized training in evidence collection and crime scene procedures.
14. Legal assistant
Average annual salary: $66,460
Legal assistants support legal professionals by organizing files, drafting legal documents, and conducting research to assist in case preparation.
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with a paralegal certificate, is often required.
15. Customs and border protection officer
Average annual salary: $57,710
Customs and border protection officers secure the nation's borders, preventing illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. This role often falls under the broader category of “Protective Service Occupations.” More specifically, you can look at data for “Immigration and Customs Inspectors.”
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, along with training at a federal academy.
Skills a criminal justice degree brings to any career path
A criminal justice degree equips graduates with a valuable skill set for various professional settings. From analytical thinking and ethical decision-making to communication and problem-solving, these skills are essential for success in the criminal justice field and beyond.
- Analytical thinking: Ability to assess complex situations, evaluate evidence, and make data-driven decisions
- Ethical decision-making: Strong understanding of legal and moral principles, ensuring integrity in all actions
- Communication: Effective oral and written communication skills for interacting with diverse groups, including law enforcement, legal professionals, and the public
- Problem-solving: Expertise in identifying issues, developing strategies, and implementing solutions under pressure
- Attention to detail: Precision in analyzing information, preparing reports, and following procedures
- Conflict resolution: Skills in mediating disputes, managing tensions, and maintaining peace in challenging environments
- Cultural competency: Awareness and understanding of diverse cultural perspectives, critical for working in varied communities
- Research and investigation: Proficiency in conducting thorough research, gathering facts, and investigating incidents
- Time management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously
- Empathy and compassion: Essential for roles involving victim advocacy, social work, and rehabilitation services
Read this next: Trying to Find the Right Career and Job for You? Use This Hierarchy of Needs Approach
FAQs
What is the highest paying job in criminal justice?
Considering the list based on BLS, the highest paying job in criminal justice is crime analyst, with an average salary of $124,740 per year. This role involves using data and statistics to identify patterns in criminal activity, aiding law enforcement in crime prevention strategies.
Federal agents, especially those in specialized agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF, often earn some of the highest salaries in the criminal justice field, with an average salary of around $95,930 per year.
What is the easiest career in criminal justice?
The term “easiest” can vary depending on individual skills and interests, but generally, an entry-level position like a correctional officer might be considered easier to enter in the criminal justice field.
This position typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, although some roles may require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The role involves managing and overseeing inmates in prisons, ensuring safety and security within correctional facilities. Training is often provided on the job, making this career accessible to those just starting out in the criminal justice field.
What is the highest degree in criminal justice?
The highest degree you can earn in criminal justice is a PhD in criminal justice or criminology. This advanced degree is ideal for those interested in academic research, teaching at the university level, or holding high-level administrative and policy-making positions within criminal justice organizations. A PhD program typically involves an in-depth study of criminal behavior, justice systems, and advanced research methods, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the field.