Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions when considering your future is what kind of salary to expect. By the time you decide to pursue your online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you probably already have a good idea as to what areas of focus you wish to follow, however, some decide their future on potential earning options, which is actually a very wise subject to research in advance.
So, just in case you are one of those individuals, below are a few examples of careers and their salaries to help you determine which career is a good fit for you:
Let’s first take a look at the most obvious careers you may choose to pursue with your online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, which would be a career as a Police Officer, Lawyer or State Trooper. Police officers are, most often, the first individuals to respond to emergencies. They arrest criminals and enforce laws for our protection and safety. They start the ball rolling on the legal process while earning a median salary between $31,000 – $55,010 annually, depending on location and experience.
Lawyers typically serve as defense attorneys or prosecutors within the criminal justice system, however, depending on location and area of specialization, one can earn a median salary of $117,000 annually. A lawyer within a private firm can earn upwards of $187,000 per year, depending on experience. Employees of state government agencies may earn considerably less at $83,000 or possibly even less if working for legal aid agencies.
State Troopers are responsible for keeping our state highways safe by enforcing speed limit and seatbelt laws, however, other laws involving the size and use of commercial semi-trucks, for example, fall under the jurisdiction of the State Trooper. They also detect illegal activity, catch the criminals and assist in the prevention of terrorism. A State Trooper’s median salary is between $40,000 – $70,000 annually. It is typically a similar salary to a Police Officer, however, a Trooper might earn more depending on risk factors of the city they patrol.
Other career options available include Detectives and Criminal Investigators who are assigned to specific cases for research and resolve. Most likely, you will need to work your way up through the ranks of law enforcement to become a detective. Earnings for a criminal investigator range between $36,000 – $60,000 annually, depending on location and experience.
A Forensic Psychologist works with lawyers and police officers as criminal profilers. They work to evaluate the behavior and mental stability of the criminal determining their ability to stand trial, they serve as expert witnesses and counsel inmates. To obtain maximum earning potential, you must pursue a degree in psychology in addition to your online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Earning potential ranges between $57,000 – $80,000 per year.
A Criminologist studies data that relates to how crime affects society with a specialty in the attempt to reduce crime. Their average salary is between $40,000 – $70,000 annually.
Judges who are responsible for carrying out order within the judicial courtroom can earn upwards of $158,000, however, their salaries will vary greatly depending on location, experience and professional level.
As you can see, earning your online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will furnish you with many career options to accommodate your interests and your career goals.
View our picks for the top schools with an available Criminal Justice degree program obtainable online!