Author: Brenda Rufener / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson / First covered: December 2019
Key Takeaways:
- Top criminal justice jobs, including judges and lawyers, offer salaries that can exceed $100,000 annually.
- Judges and hearing officers topped the list with a median salary of $128,710, followed by attorneys at $127,990.
- Advanced degrees and relevant experience are critical for securing high-paying roles in the criminal justice field.
The criminal justice field is not known for its earnings potential like others. Plus, it is no secret that people do not work in the criminal justice system for the pay. But there are high-paying careers in criminal justice. You need to know where to look and have the proper education. In fact, some of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs can exceed six figures in annual wages. These jobs have attractive benefits packages and year-end bonuses to boot. Read on to find out more about the criminology major salary potential.
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Ranking the High-Paying Criminal Justice Jobs
We researched some of the highest-paying criminal justice careers. The salaries listed below are based on the most recent figures. These are published by sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and PayScale. Payscale is a global salary and compensation data-gathering organization. Our findings are listed below. Here, you will find some of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs available.
#1 – Judge and Hearing Officers
Median Annual Salary: $128,710
Judges, magistrates, and hearing officers are. Among the high-paying criminal justice jobs on our list. In fact, the jobs include:
- Judges
- Magistrates
- Hearing Officers
As of May 2021, the BLS reported judges and hearing officers earned a median pay of $128,710. This pay likely reflects arduous job responsibilities in the criminal justice system. They oversee legal processes in court during civil and criminal trials. According to the BLS, administrative law judges earned $102,550 annually, and magistrate judges earned $148,030. Industry impacts pay for judges and magistrates. The top industry (state government) paid judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates $170,840 annually.
To become a judge, you will need a law degree and work experience as a lawyer. After graduating from law school, judges must pass a highly competitive examination. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management issues the exam. Additional certification or licensing may be required. That is determined by the state in which you live. Judges can earn high wages. Gaining experience as an attorney can set you on course for high earnings potential.
#2 – Attorney or Lawyer
Median Annual Salary: $127,990
Our research found that attorneys and lawyers had the most favorable earnings potential. Even starting out in this career pays well. In fact, the BLS reports the average pay for attorneys and lawyers in May 2021 was $127,990 or $61.54 per hour. Earnings potential varies since most lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices and law firms.
In this justice system role, years of experience impact earnings the most. A lawyer fresh out of law school might earn $60,000 in the first year. Conversely, a newly appointed partner will earn six figures and access lucrative bonuses. Attorneys who own and run their own law firms have the potential to earn much more than the median pay listed by BLS. For example, the highest ten percent of lawyers earned $208,000 annually. You can expect to work long hours when first starting out in the industry or when preparing for court proceedings in civil and criminal trials. Still, this is certainly one of the best jobs with a criminal justice degree for the money. Many attorneys study political science or criminal law. A professional or doctoral degree is also required for the job.
#3 – FBI Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $100,000
FBI specialists or special agents are among the highest-paying criminal justice careers. A step up from the FBI agent pay scale is the FBA specialists. They are highly trained FBI agents who work on special operations or task forces. While narrowing down the exact pay for FBI specialists is difficult, the average annual salary hovers around $100,000. Of course, pay is based on experience. Typically, the more years of service, the higher the salary.
Moreover, the six-figure base salary does not include bonuses and raises. The Federal Bureau of Investigation often issues these. Top specialists with seniority and years of experience can earn more than $137,000 per year. Besides top earnings, FBI employees receive benefits and attractive retirement options. It makes this job one of our list’s highest-paying criminal justice careers.
#4 – Forensic Psychologist
Median Annual Salary: $72,285
Another high-paying job in criminal justice is a forensic psychologist. They earn top dollar for their unique skills and advanced knowledge of human behavior. Job roles vary by industry and assignment. For instance, the job may entail a combination of clinical work and data analysis. Most forensic psychologists have earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology specializing in criminal justice. Common job responsibilities include:
- Interviewing suspects
- Counseling the incarcerated
- Working with law enforcement, attorneys, and the court system to help prosecute criminals
PayScale reports the median annual wage for forensic psychologists to be $72,285. Forensic psychologists earn a slightly higher annual wage than other psychologists. This is likely due to their specialized skills and master’s or higher-level education. This role is one of the most lucrative criminal justice degree jobs available today.
#5 – Security Manager
Median Annual Salary: $71,922
Security managers who work for government and state agencies. have some of the highest-paying jobs in criminal justice on our list. Security managers oversee the security needs of buildings and property. They earn an average median salary of almost $72,000. The federal and state governments pay security managers the top salaries. However, the role of a security manager is critical in a variety of areas, such as:
- Casinos
- Jewelry stores
- Mall,
- Private celebrity detail
Security managers often oversee teams of security guards. With this responsibility comes:
- Hiring and vetting guards
- Checking credentials
- Organizing work schedules
The key role of a security manager is to enforce the rules in the building or on the property. The security manager is in charge of deterring criminal activity within the workplace.
#6 – FBI Agent
Median Annual Salary: $93,970
FBI agents work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is one of the highest-paying criminal justice careers on our list. Due to the nature of their job, FBI agents are paid well. In fact, BLS reports the median annual wage for FBI agents or law enforcement officers working for the federal government is $93,970.
FBI agents are a group of elite law enforcement professionals. Only a small number of top officers and law enforcement professionals earn recruitment levels. Even recruitment does not guarantee a job working as an FBI agent. The competition is fierce. And while the pay is high, the road to these earnings takes time. FBI agents must pass strict physical examinations and background tests. Also, a college degree in criminal justice and law enforcement experience must attend an FBI training academy. However, you can look forward to a lucrative career in one of the best criminal justice jobs once you’re in.
#7 – Intelligence Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $72,429
High-paying criminal justice jobs span a wide range of industries and responsibilities. For example, an intelligence analyst requires a degree in criminal justice. Most intelligence analysts work for the federal government. The federal government is the highest-paying industry for operations and intelligence analysts.
The vast majority of these specialized analysts work for the FBI. Some work in other parts of the federal government. PayScale reports the average wage for intelligence analysts as $72,429. The role of an intelligence analyst is to examine evidence from a crime scene. They ensure it is processed accordingly. Intelligence analysts work behind the scenes and take little credit for their analysis. Still, they are critical in solving crimes. It is one of the most lucrative criminal justice degree jobs.
#8 – Criminal Justice Professor
Median Annual Salary: $64,600
Among the high-paying criminal justice careers is the criminal justice professor. Wages vary by institution type. Postsecondary instructors typically earn more working at colleges or universities. Community colleges or other types of schools usually have a lower income. Again, the BLS reports state colleges and universities pay their faculty members an average of $81,250 annually. Private colleges pay professors an average annual median wage of $79,820.
The median annual salary for teaching criminal justice may seem lower than average. Experience is a factor. The more experience a criminal justice professor holds, the higher their earnings. In fact, the highest ten percent of all postsecondary instructors, according to the BLS, is $172,130. If you enjoy teaching, this is one of the best criminal justice jobs for the money.
#9 – Financial Examiner
Median Annual Salary: $84,300
Financial examiners work behind the scenes of law enforcement. The job is similar to an intelligence analyst. They are among the high-paying criminal justice careers on our list. These highly trained professionals excel in the following
- Accounting
- Math
- Other financial number processing systems
Their role is to assist other law enforcement in analyzing financial records. They do this to prosecute financial fraud, such as money laundering or embezzlement.
The financial examiner is often employed by:
- The federal government
- State government
- The insurance industry
- Other law enforcement agencies within the justice system
However, the highest-paying industry for financial examiners is the federal government. According to BLS, the federal government pays financial examiners a median annual wage of $140,630. Other top-paying industries for a financial examiner include:
- Securities
- Commodity contracts
- Financial investments
- Management companies
These industries pay above the median annual salary of $84,300 for all financial examiners.
#10 – Criminologist
Median Annual Salary: $83,620
Criminologists are among the highest-paying criminal justice careers on our list. Criminologists earn an average annual wage of $83,620. They can make even more after a few years of experience. According to BLS, these types of criminal justice professionals are considered sociologists. They research and study the anatomy of crime, focusing on its causes and effects. Similar to forensic psychologists, criminologists are also criminal profilers. Much of the job is spent in the following ways:
- Analyzing crime scene materials
- Synthesizing information
- Gathering data
#11 – United States Postal Inspector
Median Annual Salary: $79,000
Postal inspectors may not come to mind when you think of criminal justice. But, US postal inspectors earn an average median wage of $79,000, according to PayScale. As with many law enforcement jobs, pay is commensurate with experience, though. Some seasoned postal inspectors can make up to $120,000 per year.
The inspector’s role is much different than the role of a postal service worker or carrier. Postal inspectors are actually federal law enforcement agents who enforce laws governed by the U.S. Postal Service. Their duties include investigating criminal matters that involve mail fraud and theft. They perform routine audits, for instance. These criminal justice professionals are also sworn federal law enforcement officers. They carry firearms and make arrests just like other law enforcement professionals. Most postal inspectors work full-time. Holidays and weekends may also be required. Since the postal service delivers mail six days a week, inspectors are often needed on Saturdays.
#12 – Transit and Railroad Police
Median Annual Salary: $78,230
Transit and railroad officers are among the highest-paid professionals in the criminal justice field. They earn a spot on our high-paying criminal justice jobs list due to the median annual salary of $78,230. The BLS also reports the highest ten percent of all police and detectives, including transit and railroad police, earned $$108,090 as of May 2023. Earnings potential varies by location and job type but increases with experience. This means a transit or railroad police officer will earn more as he or she becomes more experienced on the job.
The role of the transit or railroad police is to patrol transit facilities or railroad yards. The job includes the following:
- Combatting trespassing and human trafficking
- Preventing theft and violence
- Protecting the public
Many hold degrees in criminal justice and have received law enforcement training. Knowing a foreign language like Spanish is highly beneficial in certain areas.
#13 – Police Officer
Median Annual Salary: $74,910
Police officers are listed among high-paying criminal justice careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for police officers was $74,910. The highest ten percent of earners made $111,700. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned an average median pay of $72,280. This is slightly lower than the average median pay for all other police officers.
A career as a police officer is a lifetime commitment. Education required for the job includes:
- A college degree
- Completion of the police academy
Many levels of education are available to those pursuing a career in law enforcement. They include:
- Community colleges
- Four-year institutions
- State universities
They offer law enforcement programs for police officers and corrections officers. Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will help you land one of these highest-paying jobs in law enforcement. Additional training includes the completion of rigorous physical and personal qualification standards.
#14 – Fire Investigator
Median Annual Salary: $74,160
According to the BLS, fire investigators and inspectors are among the high-paying criminal justice careers. As of May 2023, BLS reported the median annual wage for fire inspectors and investigators was $74,160. The highest ten percent earned more than $137,220. It makes the profession one of the highest-paying jobs for criminal justice careers.
Fire investigators collect evidence from scenes of fires and explosions that cause fires. The job typically includes:
- Reconstructing the scene of arson or fires
- Collecting evidence
- Sending their findings to laboratories for testing
Their job is to determine the cause and origin of fires. These criminal justice professionals must have experience working with fires. Thus, most fire investigators are former firefighters. Often, they hold a two or four-year degree. Conducting on-the-job training under a mentorship is a must.
– Immigration or Customs Enforcement Agent
Median Annual Salary: $65,642
Immigration and customs enforcement agents, also called customs officials, land a spot on our list of highest-paying criminal justice careers. In the criminal justice system, customs agents are security officers that man the borders of the United States. The job requires extensive education and training in criminal justice. Border patrol agents are responsible for stopping criminals from leaving the country and enforcing immigration laws. The BLS reports an average median annual salary for immigration or customs enforcement agents as just under $60,000 annually.
Customs officials earn higher pay by experience. This means that raises are likely as an employee gains more experience. For example, an immigration official or customs enforcement agent with five years of experience will earn less than a colleague with ten years of experience. Seasoned immigration and customs enforcement agents with 20 years of experience will earn higher wages. These veterans can earn up to $85,000 per year.
#16 – Forensic Science Technician
Median Annual Salary: $64,940
When people think of criminal justice, they likely picture scenes from movies and popular TV shows. While Hollywood’s depiction of forensic science is relatively accurate, much of the job role has been romanticized. Forensic science technicians make our list of the highest-paying criminal justice careers. Most of these specialized technicians work for the FBI and other forms of government. Often, their time is spent gathering and analyzing evidence from a crime scene. They are then sent back to the laboratory for further analysis. The findings are often crucial in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Forensic science technicians are paid well despite needing only a bachelor’s degree. The BLS reports the median annual wage for this criminal justice profession to be almost $64,940 per year. Top earners in the field made well over six figures in 2023.
#17 – Probation Officer
Median Annual Salary: $61,800
According to BLS, probation officers are among the highest-paying criminal justice careers. In May 2023, the BLS reported that the average annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was over $60,000. The highest-paid ten percent of probation officers earned $105,220. Government agencies employ most probation officers and offer the highest earnings on average. Local government agencies pay $65,310 on average, and state government agencies pay $59,180 on average.
Like other types of corrections officers, most probation officers work overtime hours. This leads to extra pay. Some of these workers must be on-call and respond to law enforcement issues 24 hours a day. Still, overtime pay and end-of-year bonuses keep employees happy. Sometimes, the job requires probation officers to travel, contributing to overtime and additional work hours. To qualify for employment as a probation officer, plan on having a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related discipline.
#18 – Fish and Game Warden
Median Annual Salary: $61,120
Fish and game wardens made our list of high-paying criminal justice jobs. Professionals who pursue this unique criminal justice career will serve state and federal agencies as commissioned law enforcement agents. Fish and game wardens manage and protect wildlife and track and apprehend poachers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for fish and game wardens in 2023 was $61,120. The top ten percent of fish and game warden professionals earned $86,880. Educated fish and game wardens earn the highest wages, and experience can also improve earnings. For example, fish and game wardens with one to three years of experience earn much less than colleagues with ten years of experience. If you enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, this career will be one of your top options among the best criminal justice jobs for the money.
#19 – Corrections Manager
Median Annual Salary: $53,290
The correctional manager and corrections officers are essential in the criminal justice system. Among the highest-paying criminal justice careers on our list is the corrections manager. This person supervises and manages incarcerated individuals, corrections officers, and a part of the corrections building. Some corrections managers actually oversee and manage the entire corrections facility. Others manage specific wings or areas of the building. Corrections managers work in correctional facilities alongside correctional officers in detention centers, jails, and prisons. Law enforcement agencies hire them to ensure public safety and the safety of their team of corrections officers. They also ensure the safety of the prisoners themselves.
The median annual salary for corrections managers is $53,290 per year. This annual wage varies by location and experience, though. Seasoned corrections managers with twenty or more years of experience in the criminal justice field earn over $80,000 annually.
#20 – Private Investigator
Median Annual Salary: $49,540
Private investigator jobs are among high-paying criminal justice careers for highly trained and experienced people. Private investigators, also known as private detectives, work in various areas, depending on their case and assignment. Some private investigators work for themselves, for instance. Others work for government agencies, finance, insurance companies, or investigative services. According to BLS, the top ten percent of private investigators earned close to $96,600 per year. Government agencies pay more than finance and insurance, but PIs working for themselves in the private sector have the greatest earnings potential.
Private investigators and detectives often work long and irregular hours to collect evidence for their cases. We’ve all seen movies where the private detective sits in a car overnight, loading up on coffee while watching a house for movement. Surveillance of people usually takes place outside normal work hours. Private investigators may work weekends, nights, and holidays as they comb through financial records. For those who work for themselves, overtime pay is not an option. Still, a bachelor’s degree is not required for this position. All that is necessary is a high school diploma and some related experience.
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Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Outlook Handbook
- PayScale: Job Salaries