There are a wide range of career options within the criminal justice system. The salary range for criminal justice careers varies as widely as the actual career choices. If you’re considering a career in criminal justice or criminology learn about the salaries in the list below or find an criminal justice program now.
Criminal Justice Career Salary Information
The salaries listed below are from the official BLS website and this information was updated in April of 2024. The most recent data shows average pay from 2023.
Paralegal:
- Median salary is $60,970.
- High is $98,830.
- Low is $39,710.
Court Reporter/Stenographer:
- Median salary is $71,040.
- High is $126,440.
- Low is $35,890.
Security Guard:
- Median annual salary is $37,070.
- High is $57,400.
- Low is $28,500.
Correctional Officer:
- Median range salary is $53,300.
- High is $87,250.
- Low is $38,340.
Private Investigator:
- Median annual wage is $60,270.
- High is $96,600.
- Low is $36,060.
Police/Sheriff Officer:
- The median wage is $72,280.
- High is $111,700.
- Low is $45,200.
Probation Officer:
- The median salary is $61,800.
- High is $105,220.
- Low is $41,700.
Bailiff:
- Median range salary is $58,460.
- High is $87,670.
- Low is $29,540.
Forensic Science Technicians:
- Median annual salary is $64,940.
- High is $107,490.
- Low is $41,410.
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators:
- Median annual salary is $71,540.
- High is $152,730.
- Low is $35,960.
Information Security Analyst:
- Median annual salary is $120,360.
- High is $182,370.
- Low is $69,210.
Some criminal justice careers require a two-year degree while others demand four years or beyond. Salaries are generally higher for those who hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in their chosen criminal justice fields. Connect with a school near you by using the search application.
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