The criminal justice industry can provide thrilling and satisfying experiences, such as those that come from working within the forensic sciences, one of the fastest-growing occupational fields. But this is just one of many paths you can take with a degree in criminal justice.
If you are more interested in the legal side of criminal justice, you can become a paralegal or a lawyer. Growth in the paralegal field is projected to be above the national average at 22%, so it might be the stable career you're looking for.
Criminal justice has a variety of career tracks, so many personalities are well suited to this industry. Among the skills required are decision making, interviewing, critical thinking, knowledge of legal structures, and a firm grasp of research strategies. Take our personality test to find out which criminal justice career is best for you.
Criminal Justice Facts and Figures
(from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $35.10 |
$73,010 |
|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $26.74 |
$55,620 |
|
| Forensic Science Technicians |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $26.46 |
$55,040 |
|
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $24.64 |
$51,240 |
|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $23.87 |
$49,640 |
|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $20.57 |
$42,780 |
Source: May 2010 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor |
This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Please consult with a representative from the school you select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Law Enforcement agencies may include additional training.
