Do criminologists get paid well? That is a question that has been carefully analyzed and answered in this article to broaden your horizon.
If you are considering pursuing a degree in criminology or criminal justice, you likely want to think about your earning potential at some point. Certainly, money isn’t everything, but it’s always a good idea to get an idea of how much you can expect to earn when deciding on a career path. That is exactly why you need to know in advance how much money you can make in a criminal justice job.
For those of you who are undecided about choosing a career or course of study, or wondering if a career in criminal justice or criminology will be worth your time, here is a list of the types of jobs available and what you can do. expect to win early in your career.
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Are criminologists paid well?
Salary data comes from the US Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, SimplyHired, and Payscale.com, and provides estimated starting ranges, with no potential for earning overtime. Salary can vary significantly based on level of education, geographic region, and prior experience.
Crime Analyst – $34,000 to $50,000
Criminologists who are Crime analysts provide intelligence-gathering and statistical analysis services to law enforcement agencies are paid well. They spot trends and identify emerging issues that may require police attention or intervention.
Analysts help police commanders determine how to best allocate their resources and personnel to prevent crime, and review police reports and other data sources to help investigators solve crimes.
Criminologist – $40,000 to $70,000
Like crime analysts, criminologists study data and trends and are paid well. Unlike crime analysts, criminologists apply their knowledge to learn how crime affects society.
Criminologists are likely to work in a college or university conducting research or with a legislative body making public policy proposals.
They study crime, its causes and impacts, and advise legislators and criminal justice agencies on the best way to develop appropriate responses to reduce crime at the societal level.
Correctional officers – $26,000 to $39,000
Correctional officers have a very difficult job and are often paid at the lower end of the scale when it comes to jobs in criminal justice and criminology. However, that does not detract from the important service they provide.
Correctional officers work in jails, prisons, and other correctional facilities and monitor inmates. They serve to protect the inmates they protect from each other, as well as to protect the public from the inmates.
Criminal Detectives and Investigators – $36,000 to $60,000
If solving a crime is your thing, then working as a detective is a great option for you. Detectives can be assigned to any number of specialized crimes and take on complex investigations that can be challenging and fascinating.
Working as a detective provides valuable skills that can be used to advance your career, while at the same time providing enough variety and challenge to dedicate a full career.
Typically, working as a detective is not an entry-level job, but rather a transfer or promotion within the ranks of the police. However, if you are considering a career in law enforcement, becoming a detective is a great goal to strive for.
Forensic Science Technician – $33,000 to $50,000
Forensic science technicians can act as civilian crime scene investigators or laboratory technicians. They help collect and analyze evidence and ensure that the chain of custody is maintained.
Forensic science technicians should have a background in the natural sciences as well as respect, knowledge, and interest in the criminal justice system. Forensic science technicians provide vital support to investigators in solving all types of crimes.
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Forensic Psychologist – $57,000 to $80,000
Forensic psychologists work in almost every component of the criminal justice system. They can evaluate and advise inmates, act as expert witnesses, and determine the suitability of a suspect for trial or her level of guilt for a crime given her mental state.
Some forensic psychologists work with attorneys as jury consultants or with law enforcement as criminal profilers. In rare cases, forensic psychologists can find work with just a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
However, to be truly successful and maximize your earning potential, you will want to pursue a combination of degrees in psychology, criminology, sociology, or criminal justice and advanced degrees in related fields.
Loss Prevention Specialist – $11 to $16 per hour
Loss prevention is a great career in criminology for beginners. Working as a loss prevention specialist can provide the work experience needed for other great careers, such as law enforcement or probation officers.
Loss prevention specialists work for retail companies to prevent and mitigate theft by customers and employees. While the earning potential may start low, loss prevention managers can earn more than $50,000 per year.
Police Officer – $31,000 to $50,000
Perhaps one of the first careers that come to mind when you think of criminology, police officers are on the front lines of society’s response to crime.
Officers patrol their communities, assist disabled motorists, make arrests, and help resolve disputes. The primary role of the police is to enforce laws and ordinances, but that role has expanded significantly to all types of community service.
Working as a police officer can provide advancement opportunities and the experience necessary to advance to a detective or investigative position or to be hired as a special agent.
Polygraph examiner – $56,000 (average)
Polygraph examiners are trained to administer lie detector tests. They receive highly specialized training and are at all levels of law enforcement as well as in the private sector.
Their services can be used for pre-employment evaluations or administrative and criminal investigations. While many polygraph examiners are sworn law enforcement officers, it is not necessarily a requirement.
Community Probation and Control Officer – $29,000 to $45,000
Probation officers supervise people who have been convicted of a crime and released as part of their sentence or as a reduction of the prison sentence.
These officers face tremendous challenges in monitoring and counseling people to help them rehabilitate and get their lives back on track.
Community probation and monitoring officers hold parolees and parolees accountable, making sure they adhere to the terms of their sentences and don’t get into trouble.
Special Agents – $47,000 to $80,000
Special agents work for federal law enforcement agencies and state investigative agencies. Agents generally specialize in areas such as financial crime, fraud, terrorist task forces, major theft, and violent crime. Criminologists in this department are paid well.
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They take on complex cases and work closely with state and local law enforcement. Agents may be required to travel extensively, perform undercover work, and conduct extensive and extensive investigations.
