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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,792 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,534 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,124 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,108 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,127 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,554 | $15.65 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $31,530 | $15.16 | +4.6% |
| 2023 | $30,138 | $14.49 | --1.7% |
| 2022 | $30,673 | $14.75 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $30,092 | $14.47 | +4.7% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,621 | 24% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,201 | 22% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 235 | 22% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 155 | 22% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 351 | 20% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,125 | 19% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 983 | 18% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 240 | 18% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 138 | 18% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 163 | 17% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,399 | 16% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 302 | 16% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,972 | 15% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,857 | 15% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 468 | 15% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 308 | 15% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 494 | 14% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 405 | 14% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 192 | 14% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overland Park | 3 | 2% | $34,224 |
| 2 | Arvada | 2 | 2% | $35,100 |
| 3 | Bossier City | 1 | 1% | $27,575 |
| 4 | Long Beach | 2 | 0% | $37,300 |
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Indiana University South Bend
Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Bowie State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Our Lady of the Lake University
Western Oregon University
Texas Christian University
Lincoln
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
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 are a variety of jobs that can be considered “Criminal Justice Analysts.” But many of them tend to be data and information-based positions within criminal justice agencies (e.g., analyzing police incident data or corrections records on release, risk, and recidivism). Our graduates have often taken these positions with law enforcement of corrections agencies. In these jobs, they often analyze the agencies data to look for patterns and trends in crime/victimization or recidivism, identify at risk places (“hotspots”) or people, and help develop strategies to address these patterns they see in the data. It is often a job where they are applying the tools they learn from Criminal Justice methods and research to help local agencies be more efficient and effective in tackling crime and justice problems.
Eileen Kirk: Criminal Justice Analyst is a great position, particularly if you like analyzing data and identifying trends and patterns. As well, it is an excellent option if you are interested in working in law enforcement but want a position as a civilian. The work of a Criminal Justice Analyst can make significant contributions to prevent and reduce crime by identifying where and when crime is likely to occur.
Eileen Kirk: Probably the best part of this position is contributing to the effectiveness of law enforcement. A law enforcement agency wants to work well, and looking at data can help ensure the agency is using its resources in the best possible way and addressing crime more accurately. One challenge to the work of a Criminal Justice Analyst is implementation. For example, if a Criminal Justice Analysis identifies a crime prevention concern, the agency must have the required human and financial resources to address it.
Chloe Robinson Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential can only happen if you do your research before entering the job market. You should research salary trends and talk to others who may be already working in the field about the average salaries. However, it is important to be cognizant of geographical fluctuations when it comes to salaries. Regional nuances matter. Therefore, doing your research about where you plan to live and work as you enter the field matters as well. Also, before starting your career, it is so important to consider acquiring relevant skills through an internship. An internship will not only give you a “peek” into your future career, but it will also help you gain valuable experience. This will ultimately make you a competitive candidate on the job market.
Chloe Robinson Ph.D.: People need to be amenable to change. Technological advancements in conjunction with criminal justice reform efforts are changing the overall landscape of the field. This changing environment requires flexibility and adaptability. It is also crucial that criminal justice professionals enhance their cultural competency skills. Practitioners who understand the power of diversity will be able to authentically support different cultural groups. A culturally aware individual will also be able to appropriately address the disparities that we see in the system. As more and more data become available through transparency efforts, criminal justice professionals will need to have strong data analysis skills. This will allow them to be able to extrapolate trends from the data. This information can be useful in order to improve policies and procedures in the field.
Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Kim Ménard Ph.D.: I believe that people skills, computer skills, and forensic accounting skills will become increasingly important in the field in the next 3 to 5 years. Currently, many criminal justice agencies are working to improve recruitment and retention of their employees and to reinstate trust among the public, both of which require people skills. The ubiquitous use of computers for both legal and nefarious activity will necessitate greater computational and forensic accounting knowledge.
Kim Ménard Ph.D.: Your career preparation starts in college. Students in criminal justice professions undergo background checks, so their behavior in and out of the classroom is important. Also, many schools, like Penn State Altoona, have required internships that often lead to jobs after graduation. It is good to invest time in selecting the best classes and internships for your career objectives. Having a unique skill or specialization can really open doors. In that same vain, when starting a new career do not be afraid to show initiative by seeking out new opportunities for growth. And do seek advice or mentorship from someone with more experience. For instance, Penn State has one of the largest alumni associations in the country, which can provide a wealth of information and support.
Charles Adams Ph.D.: I tell the students that while attending school, they should try to gain as much practical experience as possible via internships, volunteer services, or part-time employment. They should maintain good credit standing, avoid using illegal substances, and always present an ethical standard of professionalism. Always commit themselves to excellence and 'be the type of individual that employers are seeking in an applicant- go the extra mile :be 'extra'ordinary'
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.
Charles Adams Ph.D.: The number one skill that students should possess is critical thinking. The ability to think critically is essential for addressing the many challenges in the fluid and ever-changing field of criminal justice. We need individuals who can meet the challenges of this expanding field. Students should be well-versed in technology, such as computer applications, spreadsheet development, and statistical analysis. Another skill is cultural competency. We live in a diverse society, and it is important to be culturally competent to effectively discharge our duties and responsibilities. We must respect and understand different cultures, and culturally competent professionals are attractive to employers—finally, acquiring crisis management skills. We live in an ever-changing society where issues can arise quickly, so professionals must have the skills to respond to crises.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Dr. Jeffrey Roth: Communication skills, both interpersonal and written, have long been important abilities for people working in criminal justice jobs and I think that will remain the case into the future.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Jiletta Kubena PhD: By building your resume before leaving college. Most criminal justice jobs are government jobs that have set salaries so negotiations are not as prevalent as in other industries. Even if your first job is not your dream job, make sure it is a place where you are acquiring skills that you can apply to a high level dream job.
Jiletta Kubena PhD: Before graduating, make connections in the field where you want to work. Do an internship, participate in service-learning classes, or other experiential learning experiences offered through student clubs and organizations that are specific to your major or field.
Western Oregon University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Misty Weitzel Ph.D.: A career in criminal justice starts with a bachelor's degree in a reputable program that provides personalized support and internship opportunities. You need to know the criminal justice system in order to work within it. Many people confuse a degree in criminal justice with job training. They don't realize that a criminal justice degree is a social science degree, thus providing mastery of the complete picture of crime as a social problem and understanding the skills necessary for a variety of occupations that address crime at all levels of society. An undergraduate student may begin their program with the sole purpose of becoming an FBI agent, for example, but learn rather quickly that there are many jobs in criminal justice that may suit them as well or better. An internship allows students to explore these areas first hand - whether in corrections, courts, law enforcement, forensics, cyber crime, and many more.
Ronald Burns: Individuals starting their career in criminal justice can maximize their salary
potential through expanding their skill set, maximizing their potential,
anticipating changes, and being patient. Those entering the field are
encouraged to continuously develop and refine skills. This may include
learning new software programs or a second language, seeking training
opportunities, taking on new tasks, and related endeavors that contribute to
professional development. The research skills learned in the classroom
should be applied to identifying promising areas and employment
opportunities within criminal justice that help them maximize one’s salary
potential. Many criminal justice positions are in the public sector which
enables job seekers to identify salaries for various positions. Researching
salaries and positions greatly assists with job preparation and searches.
Salary is certainly important to many people, however identifying an
enjoyable, rewarding position with the potential for both professional and
personal growth should rank high among one’s priorities. Patience is
important as those entering the workforce must be aware that they are often
restricted to entry-level positions until they gain experience and promote.
Gaining experience, for instance through internships and part-time positions,
also assists with maximizing salary potential. Starting salaries for many
criminal justice positions have increased in recent years.
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.: Several skills will become increasingly important in the next 3-5 years. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice addresses many of the topics including Data analysis, Cyber Security, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation, Cultural Competency and Diversity Training, Trauma Informed Practices, Technology Innovation and Integration, Legal and Policy Analysis, Community Engagement and Collaboration, Ethical Decision Making, Adaptability and Resilience.
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.
University of Mississippi
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Wesley Jennings: Technology proficiency is becoming one of the more sought after skills of those entering the workforce in criminal justice settings as technological advancements are constantly changing how criminals perpetrate their crimes as well as how law enforcement performs their duties and promotes crime prevention. Similarly, an important skill in the criminal justice profession has been and will continue to be critical thinking and analytical skills. This will become more important as the nature of crime, criminal networks, cybercrime, terrorism, etc. is becoming increasing more complex to prevent or investigate.
University of Mississippi
Criminal Justice And Corrections
Wesley Jennings: Technology proficiency is becoming one of the more sought after skills of those entering the workforce in criminal justice settings as technological advancements are constantly changing how criminals perpetrate their crimes as well as how law enforcement performs their duties and promotes crime prevention. Similarly, an important skill in the criminal justice profession has been and will continue to be critical thinking and analytical skills. This will become more important as the nature of crime, criminal networks, cybercrime, terrorism, etc. is becoming increasing more complex to prevent or investigate.
Wesley Jennings: When starting your career in the criminal justice field, the most effective strategies for maximizing your salary potential is to prioritize education (graduate degree) and certifications. Those individuals with advanced academic degrees and/or certifications stand out amongst their peers and provide leverage for negotiating salaries. Seeking entry-level leadership roles and continued professional development opportunities can also help boost your salary in terms of negotiations, pay raises, etc.)