Find Out How Much Do Criminal Justice Make7 min read
Criminal justice is an ever-growing profession, and it can be a lucrative and rewarding career choice. But how much do criminal justice workers make? That depends on a variety of factors. The amount of money a criminal justice worker makes can depend on their job title, experience level, and other factors such as location, company size, and industry.
Law enforcement and corrections officers are among the highest-paid criminal justice professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for police officers in 2018 was $61,380, while the median wage for correctional officers was $45,380.
Those in higher-level positions, such as detectives and investigators, can earn significantly more. The median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators was $83,320 in 2018.
The amount of money that criminal justice workers make can also depend on their level of experience, education, and other qualifications. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may be able to earn more than those with only a high school diploma. Those who specialize in a certain area, such as forensics, may be able to command higher salaries.
In addition, those who are willing to relocate
Table of Contents
- 1 How Much Do Criminal Justice Make
- 2 Police Officer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for police officers, including federal, state, and local law enforcement
- 3 Probation and Parole Officer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for probation and parole officers
- 4 Lawyer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for lawyers, including public defenders and prosecutors
- 5 Conclusion
How Much Do Criminal Justice Make
Criminal justice professionals can earn a variety of salaries depending on their experience and the field they choose to enter. Entry-level positions, such as police officers, detectives and correctional officers, earn an average of $39,000 to $60,000 annually. With experience and advanced training, salaries can reach six figures. Law enforcement supervisors, such as police sergeants and lieutenants, can earn up to $100,000 or more per year. Lawyers can earn even more, with the median annual salary for lawyers reported to be $122,960 in 2019. Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists can also earn six-figure salaries, depending on their experience and the institution they work for. Criminal justice professionals who work their way up the ladder can have salaries and benefits that are above average.
Police Officer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for police officers, including federal, state, and local law enforcement
When it comes to the salaries of law enforcement officers, the amount that they receive varies drastically depending on their role, location, and level of experience. Federal law enforcement officers, for example, typically make significantly more than their state and local counterparts. Additionally, salaries for police officers can vary widely depending on the state, city, and even the specific department.

At the federal level, law enforcement officers are employed by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Salaries for federal law enforcement officers are set by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and can range from $38,511 to $126,062 per year depending on the officer’s experience, position, and grade level.
At the state level, police officer salaries are set by the state government and can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction. On average, state law enforcement officers make an annual salary of $58,320. The top earners within this category make upwards of $80,000 per year.
Local law enforcement officers, such as those employed by a city or county police department, typically make the least out of all law enforcement officers. The average salary for a local police officer is $61,050 per year, with the top earners making up to $87,000 annually.
In addition to these salaries, many law enforcement officers are eligible for benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and paid vacation. These benefits can significantly increase the overall compensation package of a law enforcement officer.
Overall, it’s clear that law enforcement officers are compensated well for their dedication and service. The salaries of police officers vary greatly depending on their level of experience, position, and location, but it’s safe to say that they are compensated fairly for the important work that they do.
Probation and Parole Officer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for probation and parole officers
Criminal justice is an important and rewarding field of study, but it can also be lucrative. For many, the salary of a probation and parole officer is a key factor when considering a career in the industry. In this article, we’ll take a look at the average salary of probation and parole officers, as well as the potential salary range, and the factors that can affect it.
The median salary for probation and parole officers is around $53,000 per year. With many factors influencing the final salary, this figure can range from $35,000 to over $80,000. Factors that play a role in determining the salary include experience, education, location, and the number of hours worked.
The experience of a probation and parole officer is the largest factor influencing salary. With experience comes increased responsibility, which can result in a higher salary. For example, a probation and parole officer with several years of experience could make $65,000 per year. On the other hand, an officer with less experience may make closer to $50,000.
Education is another factor that can influence the salary of a probation and parole officer. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a common requirement for the job, and some employers may prefer a master’s degree. A degree in a related field such as psychology or social work may also be beneficial. Higher education can lead to higher salaries.

Location is another factor that can affect the salary of a probation and parole officer. States with higher crime rates, such as California and New York, tend to pay higher salaries. In addition, the cost of living in a particular area may also influence the salary.
Finally, the number of hours worked can also influence the salary of a probation and parole officer. Those who work full time may receive higher salaries than those who work part time.
Probation and parole officer salaries can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. However, the median salary of $53,000 is a good benchmark to use when considering a career in criminal justice. With experience and education, probation and parole officers can earn much higher salaries.
Lawyer Salaries: Breakdown of salaries for lawyers, including public defenders and prosecutors
When it comes to the criminal justice system, many people are interested in how much money lawyers make, particularly those in the public service sector such as public defenders and prosecutors. While the salary of these professionals can vary greatly depending on several factors, the average lawyer salary indicates that they can earn a very respectable wage.
For public defenders and prosecutors, the average lawyer salary is typically higher than other legal professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of lawyers in the United States was $122,960 in 2018 and the median wage for public defenders and prosecutors was $76,490. However, this number does not include bonuses, which can add to a lawyer’s salary.
The average lawyer salary for public defenders and prosecutors is also determined by the type of cases they are working on. For instance, those who take on more serious cases such as murder or drug trafficking may be paid more than those who take on less serious cases. In addition, the amount of experience a lawyer has can also affect their salary. Lawyers with more experience may be able to command higher salaries.
Lawyers in the public sector may also receive additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation time. In addition, lawyers who work for the government may receive additional pay for overtime work.
Overall, the average lawyer salary for public defenders and prosecutors is fairly high compared to other legal professions. While there are many factors that can affect a lawyer’s salary, the average salary is still a respectable wage. For those interested in public service, a career in the criminal justice system can be a rewarding and lucrative path.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary of a criminal justice professional will depend on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, location, and the specific job they have. On average, criminal justice professionals make around $50,000 a year, though some can make significantly more. Those who have specialized knowledge, experience, and higher education can expect to make significantly more than those who do not. Ultimately, the salary of criminal justice professionals will depend on a variety of factors and the specific job they have within the field.