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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 142 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 139 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 138 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 133 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 126 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,637 | $29.15 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $59,196 | $28.46 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $58,275 | $28.02 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $57,895 | $27.83 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $56,794 | $27.30 | +0.8% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 10 | 0% |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 8 | 0% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 6 | 0% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 4 | 0% |
| 5 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 4 | 0% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 3 | 0% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 3 | 0% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 2 | 0% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2 | 0% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2 | 0% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 1 | 0% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1 | 0% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 0 | 0% |
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Bowie State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Our Lady of the Lake University
Texas Christian University
Lincoln
Ben Feldmeyer: Many of our students have enjoyed this work because they are able to apply what they learned in the classroom and our program to real world problems. They feel like they are making a difference with local agencies and are helping to reduce crime and victimization issues. These are often jobs where the classroom meets the real world, and our students have a unique skillset to help solve pressing criminal justice problems.
Ben Feldmeyer: There is a growing need for this work and many agencies are looking for people with these skills to help them develop effective strategies for tackling crime and victimization problems. Many of our graduate students are getting offers for these positions based on their skillsets before they even finish their degrees. The compensation in many of these positions is quite competitive, especially for students just entering the job market.
Charles Adams Ph.D.: Professionals should strive to build their resumes with professional certificates and training or seek advanced degrees. Get training in a specialized area to separate yourself from other applicants, seek leadership roles, and be willing to relocate to a different location.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Dr. Jeffrey Roth: I think my advice about geographic flexibility applies here as well. Some state and local agencies have more funding than others and so can afford to pay higher salaries. If you're looking to maximize salary potential when you're just starting out, you might need to move to the places that are paying the most.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Jiletta Kubena PhD: Always important, but it is the ability to work well with all types of people and personalities.
Ronald Burns: Short- and long-term planning is essential for an effective job search. It makes
little sense to invest in a career that will soon be outdated. Identifying and
pursuing areas of anticipated growth is the preferred path. We are in the
beginning stages of the incorporation of technology in criminal justice, thus the
ability to effectively identify, implement, use technological advancements will
help new employees distinguish themselves. For instance, society is adapting
to the use of artificial intelligence, leading to many opportunities for those well-
versed in the area, including those in criminal justice. Effective communication
skills are necessary throughout the criminal justice system. Law enforcement,
courts, and corrections personnel must be able to communicate both verbally
and nonverbally with various groups in many types of settings. Learning a
second or third language undoubtedly makes one more valuable to many
criminal justice organizations. The criminal justice field will need leaders who
can think in nontraditional ways to incorporate and synthesize field-specific
and more general advancements in society. Forward thinking individuals with
fresh ideas and motivation will find success in any career in criminal justice.
Ronald Burns: Students entering the criminal justice workforce should ensure they are well-
rounded, flexible, familiar with technology, motivated, and able to interact with
diverse groups of people. They should also be familiar with the impacts of
globalism and current events. Students should seek expertise in their field and
make themselves invaluable to their employer. Offering to take on new
projects, learning new skills, and demonstrating commitment largely contribute
to career and professional development. Criminal justice is changing at a
rapid pace, particularly regarding technology, interpersonal relationships, and
international crime. Technology, for instance, has changed how we fight crime
and led to more advanced forms of crime that warrant some non-traditional
skills in the field. Students beginning their career in criminal justice ought to
consider their qualifications, interests, and potential. Deeply studying careers,
agencies, fields, and societal developments should be a priority for those
interested in working in the many areas of criminal justice. Speaking with
individuals in positions that interest those entering the field is highly
recommended. Networking should be a key component of any job search.
Internships are also highly recommended, as they provide experience, enable
interns to learn new skills, and demonstrate one’s ability to responsibly
maintain employment. Taking shortcuts in professional development and
conducting half-hearted job searches only impacts the individual entering the
field. Investing in oneself is recommended.
Lincoln
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Kimberly Retzlaff M.S.: The Criminal justice field is a constantly evolving, often influenced by changes in law, technology, and society. Stay informed about current trends, research findings, and emerging issues through ongoing education and professional development opportunities. Knowledge is power! Have you adequately prepared yourself with the educational and experiential learning opportunities. Not only now but for the future promotions. Many career paths require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
Exceptional communication skills is very important in writing reports, conducting interviews, or testifying in court. Practice clear and concise written and verbal communication to convey information accurately and professionally.
Build your professional networks! I emphasize the importance of networking with students regularly. Connect with professionals in your desired area of specialization through internships, professional organizations, and networking events. These connections can provide mentorship, job opportunities, and valuable insights into the field. As a new graduate this is very important.
Perhaps most importantly, the criminal justice field often presents complex ethical dilemmas. It's important to establish a solid ethical foundation early on and commit to upholding principles of fairness, integrity, and justice throughout your career. Having good Critical thinking and problems solving skills assist in supporting ethical decisions. Use your networks to problem solve and receive mentorship when challenges arise.