Criminal Justice Jobs: The Ultimate Guide

Working in criminal justice can be a demanding and risky venture, but the benefits of serving your community and upholding justice are undoubtedly rewarding. Whether you dream of being a forensic scientist or an FBI agent, there are many career opportunities in this field. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 3.5 million workers are employed in this field. The projected growth rate of employment in criminal justice varies based on each job. For instance, police and detective jobs are expected to grow by four percent, while substance abuse counseling careers are expected to increase by 22 percent by 2028. 

Below, we’ll offer you a guide of the best tools and advice regarding the best careers in criminal justice and how to secure them.

What Education and Skills do I Need to Work in Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice educational requirements depend on the career path you choose. Though most career paths require a high school diploma, earning a higher degree such as a master’s will open many doors for you. Several state and local agencies require at least an associate degree for most entry-level jobs. Furthermore, most criminal justice jobs require some form of background check before you can start working.

If you choose to work with the police, then you must at least have a high school diploma or GED, and also graduate from your agency’s academy and complete job training. Requirements for other professions can be more demanding. 

For instance, the FBI requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, possess at least three years of work experience, and have a skill that sets them apart from other applicants. Furthermore, a difficult training program must also be completed, which tests both knowledge and physical ability.

Those who choose to work in criminal justice may find employment in a variety of fields. Most of these fields require you to undergo unique training. For example, game wardens must take additional courses in biology and natural science and certain criminal investigators may have to pursue a master’s degree.

Apart from further training, every field in criminal justice requires you to have certain skills in your arsenal. Namely, you should consider improving the following skills:

• Written and oral communication
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Soft skills (patience, interpersonal communication, ability to command respect/attention)

You should remember to stay curious and learn as much as you can about the job you want, meaning you should reach out to professionals involved in the field. Furthermore, you should ask instructors at academies and schools for guidance that can help you succeed. 

What Criminal Justice Jobs Can I Get With Each Level of Education?

Your career path is ultimately tied your level of education. Let’s go over different levels of criminal justice education and what career opportunities you will have with each.

GED

Though many employers require at least an associate degree, you can still enter several entry-level jobs with a General Education Diploma. Granted, at this level, you should expect to earn a modest salary of $25,000 to $40,000. 

Again, though a college degree isn’t required to attain some jobs, it is highly recommended. You will have many opportunities to further your career, which often involves better earning potential and more rewarding duties. Some jobs you can secure with a GED include becoming a  correctional officer, firefighter, police dispatcher, security guard, or loss prevention specialist.

Criminal Justice Associate Degree

With an associate degree, which takes approximately two years to attain, you have a better chance of getting an entry-level job. Most police departments are starting to only consider applicants who have at least some college experience. An associate degree will enable you to take courses in criminal justice that give you a better understanding of the law and your professional route. 

At this level, you can expect to earn a salary of $40,000 to $55,000, with chances for further advancement depending on your experience and qualifications. Some jobs you can gain with an associate degree include becoming a police officer, private investigator, paralegal, fish and game warden, or a fire inspector.

Best Online Associate Degree Programs In Criminal Justice:

• Pierce College – Philadelphia, PA
• Pamlico Community College – Grantsboro, NC
• Trine University – Fort Wayne, IN

Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree

With a bachelor’s degree, which takes approximately four years to attain, you will be a highly sought-after candidate for a number of jobs. Many larger police departments and federal law enforcement agencies only consider applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree is also a good idea for those who want to further their education later on as it is required to earn a master’s degree.

At this level, you can expect to earn an initial salary of $50,000 to $70,000, with ample opportunity to further your career. Some jobs you can secure with a bachelor’s degree include becoming a probation officer, secret service agent, forensic accountant, forensic science technician, or a training specialist. 

Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs In Criminal Justice:

• Colorado State University Global Campus – Greenwood Village, CO
• University of South Florida – Tampa, FL
• Trine University (Fort Wayne, IN)

Criminal Justice Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is highly recommended as it can be a great way to enhance your chances of being employed in exciting and rewarding jobs. For instance, if you wish to fill a managerial position in criminal justice, then a master’s degree is the way to go. Moreover, if you want a job with a federal agency such as the CIA or DEA, then a master’s degree can be extremely helpful when applying.

At this level, you can expect to earn $80,000 to well over $100,000. Some jobs you can secure with a master’s degree include becoming a federal agent, criminologist, criminal justice manager, director of court services, or a criminal profiler.

Best Online Master’s Degree Programs In Criminal Justice:

• Northeastern University – Boston, MA
• Boston University – Boston, MA
• Colorado State University – Greenwood Village, CO

Criminal Justice Doctorate Degree

While not typically required to pursue criminal justice jobs, a doctorate degree is a surefire way to boost your resume and chances of employment. It can also help you get a better understanding of the job you wish to pursue. Most importantly, it can get you a job as a lawyer.

A forensic psychologist’s role requires a firm grasp of science and psychology, so a PhD in psychology is most often required. Similarly, if you wish to ensure your employment in other specialized criminal justice jobs, then pursuing a doctorate in a relevant discipline will help. 

Best Online Doctorate Degree Programs In Criminal Justice:

• Florida International University – Miami, FL 
• Northcentral University – Prescott Valley, AZ
• Colorado State University – Greenwood Village, CO

What Are The Best Criminal Justice Jobs?

There are a plethora of jobs in criminal justice and we have narrowed them down to the best below. These top-ranked criminal justice jobs we picked based on salary, impact, and prestige. 

Lawyer 

Duties: Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.

Median Salary 2019: $122,960

Job Growth (2018-2028):  6% (as fast as average) 

FBI Agent

Duties: These agents conduct investigations of crimes that are a threat to national security, from drug trafficking to terrorism.

Median Salary 2019: $84,000

Job Growth (2018-2028): 5% (as fast as average) 

Private Investigator

Duties: Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.

Median Salary 2019: $50,510

Job Growth (2018-2028): 8% (faster than average) 

Criminologist

Duties: Criminologists observe data/behavior to determine why crimes are committed and if there are ways to deter future criminal behavior.

Median Salary 2019: $82,050

Job Growth (2018-2028): 15% (much faster than average) 

Criminal Profiler

Duties: Criminal profilers examine evidence at crime scenes in an effort to identify common behaviors and traits of a perpetrator.

Median Salary 2019: $62,993

Job Growth (2018-2028): 14% (much faster than average) 

Digital Forensics Expert

Duties: These professionals combine their computer science knowledge with their forensic skills to recover information from computers and storage devices in order to solve crimes.

Median Salary 2019: $99,730

Job Growth (2018-2028): 14% (much faster than average) 

Secret Service Agent

Duties: These professionals have several exciting duties, such as providing security for government officials, conducting investigations, and performing undercover tasks.

Median Salary 2019: $104,388

Job Growth (2018-2028): 5% (as fast as average) 

Police Officer

Duties: Police officers enforce laws, prevent crimes, respond to emergencies, and provide support services

Median Salary 2019: $65,170

Job Growth (2018-2028): 5% (as fast as average) 

Homicide Detective

Duties: Homicide detectives investigate crimes that result in loss of human life, by collecting evidence, identifying and interviewing suspects, and writing reports.

Median Salary 2019: $74,737

Job Growth (2018-2028): 7% (slightly faster than average) 

US Marshal

Duties: Marshals protect federal judges, court officials, witnesses, jurors, the visiting public, prisoners, and other threatened persons.

Median Salary 2019: $49,162

Job Growth (2018-2028): 6% (as fast as average) 

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what career in criminal justice you want. The requirements for each career may vary by location, so doing your research will help. 

Read books and websites and ask instructors or experienced professionals for further advice on any skills you may need for your journey. With the tools and information provided in this guide, we here at CareerKarma wish you all the best.