Home Popular Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Justice Degree

Popular Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Justice Degree

When you think about careers in criminal justice, you likely think of jobs such as police officer, private investigator, or correctional officer. However, the opportunities don’t stop there. The field of criminal justice intersects with many other areas, such as psychology, business, and science. The result is that you have a wide variety of career choices with a degree in criminal justice.

Read on to learn more about 10 popular jobs in the field, as well as 10 unique criminal justice jobs—some that you never would have imagined!

10 Popular Jobs in Criminal Justice

You may have heard of many of the jobs that follow—but you might not know much about them. We give you a brief overview of each, including what you can expect with regard to salary and job growth. You’ll also find unusual facts about each career that will give you a unique perspective—and a great story to tell!


Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists study the psychological factors that cause a person to commit a crime. They evaluate suspects, witnesses, and victims and provide expert testimony in court cases. They also play a part in crime prevention by analyzing the motivations, behaviors, and emotions of those who commit crimes.

Forensic Psychologist Helping Inmate

Salary

Median: $79,586
Top 10%: $114,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Doctorate

Interesting Fact!

Forensic psychologists played an important role in the trial of Ted Bundy, a notorious serial killer from the 1970s. Although lawyers for Bundy argued that he was not mentally fit to stand trial, the judge overturned that argument—partly due to the evidence presented by forensic psychologists.1


Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors work with criminals, victims, and sometimes even law enforcement personnel who have dealt with trauma in the course of their job. As growing awareness sheds light on the need for quality mental health counselors woven into our criminal justice system, this role will only become more relevant.

Mental Health Counseling Session with Client

Salary

Median: $41,053
Top 10%: $58,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Master’s degree

Interesting Fact!

More mental health counselors responded to the humanitarian crisis following Hurricane Katrina than any other mental health professional group. They also provided free services after the Virginia Tech shootings.2


Private Detective/Investigator

Private detectives conduct investigations and search for evidence in both civil and criminal cases. They conduct surveillance, interview people, investigate financial records, help find missing persons, or gather evidence to help solve a crime. They often work independently or are hired by private companies.

Private Investigator Capturing Photos from His Car

Salary

Median: $52,254
Top 10%: $92,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Minimum of a high school diploma and several years of work experience in the field, typically in law enforcement; a bachelor’s degree may be necessary for some positions

Interesting Fact!

PIs sometimes have unusual stories to tell. One PI was hired to follow another investigator—who, as it turned out, was hired to follow him! In another case, a woman wanted to know what her cat was up to—she hired a PI to follow her cat all day. He didn’t find much…lots of tree climbing and licking. An insurance company hired a PI to follow a woman who claimed she was blind. To his surprise, he spent the whole day following her as she DROVE from place to place.3


Security Manager

Security managers protect businesses or other organizations from security breaches or criminal activity. They assess risks and create security policies to prevent dangers such as bomb threats, break-ins, or fire hazards. Modern security management relies heavily on computer and technology skills. Although security managers aren’t required to possess strong technical skills, they manage and work with IT managers to create productive, fast-performing, and secure networks.

Security Manager Analyzing Monitors

Salary

Median: $65,675
Top 10%: $118,000

Job Growth

Average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree

Interesting Fact!

Security managers in technology are keeping busy. According to Cybint Solutions, there is an online hacker attack every 39 seconds. It would be your job to help hunt those cyber bad guys down. Dislike the sound of “security manager”? Try calling yourself “The Cyber Hacker Slayer” instead. Same job, better ring.4


Forensic Accountant

This career path is an exciting way to use number-crunching skills. Forensic accountants investigate financial documents in relation to any legal case, both civil and criminal. Common crimes they investigate include money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption.

Forensic Accountant at Work

Salary

Median: $66,760
Top 10%: $103,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or bachelor’s with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) degree

Interesting Fact!

In 2013 actor Leonardo DiCaprio starred as real-life stockbroker and convict Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wallstreet. Belfort, one of the most successful stockbroker con-artists of the 1990s, defrauded hundreds of clients to the tune of $200 million. After his conviction, it took forensic accountants nine years to recover money for his victims!5


Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians investigate specific evidence found at a crime scene or related to a crime. Some technicians work mainly in the field, collecting samples and other physical evidence. Others may work in laboratories investigating chemical or biological evidence, including fingerprints or blood splatter.

Forensic Technician Analyzing Evidence at a Crime Scene

Salary

Median: $58,230
Top 10%: $97,200*

Job Growth

Much faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree in either a natural science or forensic science

Interesting Fact!

Who knew you could solve a case with some pet hair? According to Insider, a man was convicted of manslaughter after his cat’s hair was found at the scene of the crime. Bet he’s wishing he invested in that lint roller.6


Police Officer

Police officers are on the frontlines of keeping our communities safe. Their work involves much more than making arrests—it also includes community relationship-building, policy implementation, and crime prevention activities.

Woman Police Officer On-Duty

Salary

Median: $63,380
Top 10%: $106,090*

Job Growth

Average

Recommended Level of Education

Graduation from a training academy (some agencies may accept a high school degree or some post-secondary education)

Interesting Fact!

Although you typically see male and female police officers working together in films and television shows, only 12% of police officers in local departments and 6.5% in state agencies are female. Unfortunately, this number hasn’t increased in 20 years. Interested in law enforcement, gals? Consider this a call for you.7


Forensic Nurse

With care and compassion, forensic nurses evaluate and treat victims of assault, domestic abuse, child and elder abuse, and sexual crimes. They also collect evidence that might be relevant to the crime.

Forensic Nurse Consoling Child

Salary

Median: $72,500
Top 10%: $103,000

Job Growth

Much faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s in nursing

Interesting Fact!

Some biological evidence is not visible to the naked eye. Alternate Light Source (ALS) technology has helped forensic nurses and others in the field identify bruising, saliva, and other forms of evidence that would otherwise not be detected. The technology works based on using ultraviolet light do identify natural fluorescent properties of biological substances.8


Criminal Justice Teacher

As in any field, education is critical to success. Criminal justice teachers shape the minds of the next generation of law enforcement. The majority of criminal justice teachers work in colleges or universities. They may teach the basics of criminal justice or branch out into more specific areas such as criminal psychology and courts in the judicial system.

Criminal Justice Teacher with Students

Salary

Median: $72,390
Top 10%: $124,180*

Job Growth

Much faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Doctorate

Interesting Fact!

Stephan C. Richards, a criminology professor at Northern Kentucky University, has an unusual past—he is an ex-convict. ”Ex-cons make good criminology professors because we know so much about the system,” Richards said to The New York Times. He is one of a growing group of ex-convict professors who advocate using experiences of criminals to promote a better understanding of the criminal justice system. (However, we don’t recommend this educational path!)9


Correctional Officer

Correctional officers work in jails, prisons, and other secure facilities to monitor inmates, their activities, and their environment. They are often the first to detect possible trouble such as prison uprisings, plans for escape, suicidal tendencies, or gang activity.

Corrections Officer Guiding Arrested Male

Salary

Median: $44,400
Top 10%: $76,760*

Job Growth

Decline (however, numbers are still good, with 31,300 jobs projected through 2026)

Recommended Level of Education

Minimum of a high school diploma plus work experience and/or some college

Interesting Fact!

When it opened in 1934, Alcatraz, an island prison outside of San Francisco, was considered to be the most secure prison in the world. But in 1962, inmate John Scott smeared lard on his body, squeezed through a window, and then swam to shore. He is the only person known to have escaped Alcatraz alive—although he was later apprehended barely conscious.10


10 Unique Jobs in Criminal Justice

When you think of jobs within the criminal justice system, you probably think of police officers, detectives, criminal attorneys, forensic scientists, and so on. However, not all people interested in criminal justice want to interact with criminals, carry a gun, work with blood and other bodily fluids, or go to law school.

Fortunately (or perhaps not so fortunately!), the field of criminal justice reaches far and wide. There are applications in areas you probably never thought of, and positions for all personalities and skillsets.

Read on to learn about 10 unique criminal justice jobs—that might just be perfect for you!


Customs Agent and Import Specialist

Customs agents and import specialists work at U.S. points of entry to ensure that all people and goods crossing the border are doing so legally.

They examine visas and applications for entry, inspect cargo and goods, and interpret and explain customs laws. They may use special technology to ensure that drugs or other illegal goods are not brought into the country.

Customs Agent Analyzing Boxes in the Back of a Van

Salary

Median: $46,738
Top 10%: $69,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Associate degree plus on-the-job training


Crime Victims Service Coordinator

Victims of crime need more than just emotional support—they need information about next steps, protection, representation, and resources. Crime victim service coordinators, also known as victim/witness advocates, help victims and their families navigate the criminal justice system. They may connect victims with social workers or counselors, represent juveniles in court, or help victims understand the legalities of the justice system.

Crime Victim Service Coordinator Offering Emotional Support to Child

Salary

Median: $48,682
Top 10%: $71,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s in criminal justice, sociology, or psychology and several years of experience in human services


Loss Prevention Specialist

According to a June 2017 Time article, retail theft amounted to around $48.9 billion in 2016. Loss prevention specialists typically work for security departments of large retail store chains to handle and help prevent theft crimes—including employee theft. They develop and implement anti-theft strategies and create policies for interception of thieves.

Security Camera Monitoring Shoppers in Grocery Store

Salary

Median: $53,300
Top 10%: $84,000

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree (high school diploma may be sufficient for non-managerial positions)


Postal Inspector

Postal inspectors do the same work as criminal investigators, but specifically for mail-related crimes. As federal investigators, they may see crimes that range from fraud to bioterrorism. The job may involve collection and inspection of evidence, following leads, writing reports, and developing theories about crimes within the postal system.

Postal Inspector Scanning Packages in Warehouse

Salary

Median: $52,363
Top 10%: $86,000

Job Growth

Average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree and academy training through the United States Postal Inspection Service


Diplomatic Security Agent

Diplomatic security agents work on behalf of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security to help ensure the security of diplomatic personnel, information, and facilities. They often work at U.S. or foreign embassies, conducting advanced security visits, securing areas for visiting diplomats, and conducting investigations.

Diplomatic Security Agent Standing Outside Building

Salary

No specific data available, but the average salary for government embassy employees is $62,000.

Job Growth

Average

Recommended Level of Education

Credits toward a graduate degree, experience in law enforcement, and/or military training; candidates cannot be older than 37 at the time of their appointment


Fish and Game Warden

This is a great career track for outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for maintaining and conserving the natural world. Fish and game wardens patrol designated regions for potential illegal activity, conduct investigations, enforce policies for protecting native species and wildlife, and issuing warnings. The job entails a great deal of independent work in the field but also requires excellent collaboration skills when state and federal investigators get involved in cases.

Game Warden On Police Car Radio

Salary

Median: $57,710
Top 10%: $80,140*

Job Growth

Slower than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree


Cybersecurity Analyst

Data security is a huge priority for government entities, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Cybersecurity specialists are the key to keeping data safe for these organizations. They monitor networks and install security software to protect data, conduct security tests on their networks, create policies and practices to ensure security standards, and help troubleshoot when there are security breaches.

Cybersecurity Analyst at Work

Salary

Median: $75,850
Top 10%: $117,000

Job Growth

Much faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s in computer science, cybersecurity, or another computer-related field


Mediator

A mediator serves as an impartial party to help people find mutually beneficial solutions without having to go to court. Their primary role is to listen to both parties in a dispute and find a resolution that both parties can agree on. During this process mediators help keep discussions civil and on track, inform parties about any legal issues, and review documents related to a dispute. Mediators need to have excellent listening skills and the ability to be fair-minded in all types of situations.

Mediator Managing Two Clients

Salary

Median: $62,270
Top 10%: $124,480*

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field (a master’s is typically required for advanced or specialized areas such as conflict management, public policy, or law)


Blood Splatter Analyst

Blood splatter analysis is a highly specialized area of forensic science. Analysts are trained to detect and interpret blood splatter patterns to help detectives generate theories about what occurred during a crime. They work at crime scenes to examine and photograph blood splatter and collect blood. Back at the lab they analyze the splatter, try to reconstruct the crime, and write reports of their findings.

Blood Spatter Analyst Taking a Swab of Blood

Salary

Median: $58,230
Top 10%: $97,200

Job Growth

Much faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or forensic science and on-the-job training


Fire Inspector and Investigator

Fire inspectors conduct regular inspections of buildings to ensure they meet local and state fire codes. They search for fire hazards, conduct assessments of buildings, test alarms and fire equipment, issue warnings, and suggest solutions. Fire investigators analyze the scene of a fire or explosion to determine the cause. They collect and analyze evidence from a fire scene, talk to witnesses, and investigate possible arson.

Fire Investigator Talking on Radio

Salary

Median: $60,200
Top 10%: $83,810*

Job Growth

Faster than average

Recommended Level of Education

High school diploma with experience as a firefighter


* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2018. All other salary information is from Payscale.com, 2019.

Career growth statistics are from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for period between 2016 and 2026.

  1. The Los Angeles Times
  2. https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/slideshows/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-counseling?slide=5
  3. https://didyouknowfacts.com/14-craziest-bizarre-cases-pis-ever-investigated/
  4. Cybint Solutions
  5. Wallin and Klarich Law
  6. Insider
  7. The New York Times
  8. https://journals.lww.com/forensicnursing/Abstract/2013/07000/Use_of_an_Alternative_Light_Source_to_Assess.3.aspx?WT.mc_id=HPxADx20100319xMP
  9. The New York Times
  10. Fact Retriever