Criminal Justice Degree Salary

Because criminal justice degrees can lead to many diverse careers, it is difficult to find an exact figure for the average salary that a graduate of a criminal justice degree program can expect. However, if one takes the average of fifteen of the most popular careers for criminal justice experts, one finds that a criminal justice degree holder earns an average of $54,718 per year. However, there is significant range in these figures. Depending on the type of degree one holds and an individual’s level of experience, the salary range can start at about $25,000 and reach well over $100,000. To have a more accurate understanding of one’s expected annual salary, it is important to look closely at the average salaries of the exact field a student is interested in.

Common Criminal Justice Careers & Salaries

Law Enforcement

• Police Officers
Employed by counties, cities, and states, police officers are the front line of public safety officials who work to keep communities protected. The average annual salary of a police officer is dependent on their level of experience, though holding a criminal justice degree can help increase their pay. In general, an officer earns an average of $51,410 per year, though salaries often range from $30,070 to $79,680.

• Detectives
Detectives, also known as criminal investigators, use forensic techniques and interview witnesses to solve crimes. The salary range for detectives starts at $36,500 and goes as high as $114,300, averaging at about $60,910. In general, those who lead detective agencies and those who work as private investigators command the highest earnings.

• Correctional Officers
Correctional officers work in prisons and correctional facilities, acting as guards and administrators. On average, a corrections officer earns $38,380 annually, but can earn more if he or she earns a criminal justice degree and enters a management position.

Legal

• Lawyer
Lawyers must complete significant schooling in addition to earning a criminal justice degree and must pass a rigorous licensure exam. They generally can expect high earnings in return, with an average annual salary around $110,590. However, those with an interest in criminal justice often tend to work as public defenders or prosecutors, for which earnings are generally lower, with starting salaries averaging around $50,000.

• Paralegal
Paralegals are also known as legal assistants, and work in law offices to help complete various clerical and research tasks. The average paralegal salary is $46,120.

Social Work

• Social Worker
“Social worker” is a term that encompasses those working for the government or non-profit agencies who seek to help others in need. Those with criminal justice backgrounds often work to help rehabilitate juvenile and adult criminals, and earn an average of $37,210 annually.

• Counselor
Counselors are certified, highly trained individuals who help others cope with their problems, and are often in high demand in prison settings. Counselors generally generate low earnings of around $30,930 per year, but often perform other counseling on a freelance basis to supplement their salary.

Federal Government

• Homeland Security
Homeland security experts help defend the country against terrorist attacks, through strategic planning, prevention, or active interaction with suspected individuals. These demanding jobs are part of the federal government, and higher-level positions pay an average of $93,897 per year.

• Military
Some individuals who complete criminal justice degrees choose to join the military and serve their country in the armed forces. Military pay changes constantly depending on rank and years of service. In general, a newly commissioned officer earns around $32,000 per year, but will enjoy significant housing, food, and service benefits on top of their base salary, which can amount to thousands of dollars in bonuses over one’s lifetime.