Making a Buck: Average Salaries of Criminal Justice Professionals
It is nice to have ample information upfront, especially when it comes to finances. However, when career paths are as diverse as they are in the criminal justice field, choosing a job can still be difficult.
As a result of America's influx of funding for security and risk-management related fields, the number of job openings in these areas has increased considerably. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this growth is not expected to wane for several years. With this growing demand for qualified professionals also comes competition. Individuals with the right credentials and education in criminal justice can use these assets to negotiate the starting salary at a new job.
Before you jump right into a salary agreement, you need to study up on two important topics -- non-salary related benefits and average industry rates. The first thing to remember is that not all jobs are about the money. Compensation can come in many forms, including personal satisfaction. Many criminal justice professions focus their attention on providing much-needed security to communities and maintaining public safety in times of crisis. This form of work compensates an individual through the knowledge that he or she is making a positive difference in the world.
Similarly, jobs that may not pay the big bucks upfront can surprise you by offering a generous benefits package, including full health coverage, ample vacation time, paid sick leave and opportunities for advancement. Or, perhaps you are looking to go back to school? Many companies today have established tuition reimbursement programs for their employees, through which they can attend school -- typically through evening or online education -- while fulfilling their job responsibilities.
You may also want to consider the average salary rates of criminal justice professionals. The following information offers just a sampling of career types and income averages in the criminal justice field.
Public Sector:
Jobs within the public sector of criminal justice are not typically known for a high rate of pay. However, these types of positions tend to offer more comprehensive benefits packages.
Police officer -- Police officers work to promote general public safety and perform acts of daily law enforcement, including maintaining regular patrols, responding to calls for service, directing traffic at accident scenes, investigating burglaries, or giving first aid to accident victims.
Average salary: $30,000 - $40,000
Social Work (or Case) Manager -- Social work can be a trying profession; however, it offers individuals a chance to make a real difference in people's lives. In a typical day, a social worker performs such tasks as helping individuals or families cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems.
Average salary: $43,040
Probation or Correction Officer -- Probation officers go by different names in different states; however, each position is geared toward the same overall goal, which is the supervision of offenders on probation or parole through personal contact with the offenders and their families.
Average salary: $42,500
Private Sector:
Criminal justice job opportunities in the private sector tend be more competitive in nature, as the available salaries are often higher than in the public sector.
Private Detective -- Private detectives assist individuals, businesses and attorneys in investigating problematic issues and affairs by finding and analyzing information. Detectives can perform a variety of services, including executive, corporate, and celebrity protection; pre-employment verification; and individual background profiles.
Average salary: $33,750
Private Security Official -- Since private security can be applied to many different industries, ranging from financial banking to personal property, the nature of the job and its duties will vary accordingly. In a general sense, private security officials can perform many tasks, including protecting employer's investments; enforcing laws of a property; deterring criminal activity; and patrolling and inspecting property in order to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism and illegal activity.
Average Salary: $42,500 **
** Average salary rates within the private sector vary based on industry type: Banking and financial security: $35,000 to $65,000; Commercial real estate: $40,000 to $50,000; and Intellectual property: $20,000 to $40,000
Criminal Lawyer -- In a general sense, criminal lawyers represent individuals who have been charged with crimes. They defend their interests in the criminal court of law. Criminal lawyers may also work with public-interest cases and use their knowledge to argue the proper application of law to a specific case.
Average salary: $40,000 - $80,000
The previously mentioned career choices are only a small sampling of possible jobs within the criminal justice field. Starting salaries, naturally, vary based on job type, location, employment history and educational background.
If you are looking to break into the criminal justice field, consider an online degree in criminal justice. It is the first step toward your new career and a key asset to bring to the bargaining table of a new employer.