Criminal Justice Job Earnings
What is Your Earning Potential?
Are you thinking about getting your degree in criminal justice? There are a multitude of careers to choose from once you have earned your degree. Many individuals choose to go into police work, detective work or Federal agent and security positions. While you may not become a millionaire in most professions related to criminal justice, most often you can feel confident that you will earn a comfortable salary in the specific area you choose. And while the profession can be a dangerous and stressful one, the feeling of doing good things for the community or for individuals is one that most people within the profession enjoy. As with any other industry or profession, as you move up in the ranks and earn more experience and further your education, your earning potential will increase accordingly and provide you with more options.
What does the US Department of Labor Say About Criminal Justice Earning Potential?
According to the US Department of Labor criminal justice earning potential is good. "Police and sheriff's patrol officers had median annual earnings of $42,270 in 2002. Median annual earnings were $47,090 in State government, $42,020 in local government, and $41,600 in Federal Government. In 2002, median annual earnings of police and detective supervisors were $61,010. Median annual earnings were $78,230 in Federal Government, $64,410 in State government, and $59,830 in local government. In 2002, median annual earnings of detectives and criminal investigators were $51,410. Median annual earnings were $66,500 in Federal Government, $47,700 in local government, and $46,600 in State government."
Note that, "Federal law provides special salary rates to Federal employees who serve in law enforcement. Additionally, Federal special agents and inspectors receive law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) - equal to 25 percent of the agent's grade and step - awarded because of the large amount of overtime that these agents are expected to work."
Read our other articles about criminal justice degrees »
Top Online Criminal Justice Schools
1.
University of Phoenix - The University of Phoenix is the best known online education resource in the world. They offer numerous options for students looking to further a career in criminal justice: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. in Organizational Security Management, & Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
2.
Kaplan University - One of the largest and most respected online colleges, Kaplan University offers the most degree plans in the field of criminal justice. The following degrees are available. B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime, B.S. in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, A.A.S in Criminal Justice, A.A.S in Criminal Justice/Corrections, A.A.S in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, & M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
3.
American Intercontinental University - With a top notch criminal justice financial aid program and military degree program, American Intercontinental University online is a top rated criminal justice college. Degree options include: B.S. in Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Special Populations. Students graduating from American Intercontinental University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
4.
Everest University Online - With a career-oriented focus, Everest University Online is one of the best criminal justice programs for those looking for practical job skills that employers know and respect. Everest offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice, & M.S. in Criminal Justice.
5.
Ashford University -
Bachelor's Degree. Ashford University provides students with an accomplished faculty who have real-world experience and knowledge in the justice system. Those graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Ashford could qualify for a variety of careers such as those in law enforcement, investigation, security, or forensics.
5.
Saint Leo University -
Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Saint Leo University offers Criminal Justice degrees at all levels in order to accommodate first time undergrads, or working professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Individuals with a Criminal Justice degree could work in several areas including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, legal studies, and more.
6.
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University online is the best criminal justice college for those seeking the ability to learn from anywhere, as it is one of the top online universities in the country. Graduates will leave with an A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, or a M.S. in Criminal Justice.
7.
Westwood University - Westwood College is a well known resource for employers looking for good employees after graduation and it makes it invaluable to students looking for a good job. Westwood offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice.
8.
Rasmussen College -
Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Rasmussen College is a well-respected online college that offers an intense curriculum designed to meet the growing need of professionals in the criminal justice field. Degree offerings include: A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Corrections, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Evidence, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Client Services & Corrections, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Criminal Offenders, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, and B.S. in Criminal Justice - Investigations/Law Enforcement.
9.
Liberty University - Because of top placement after graduation, Liberty University is an education center that prepares you for success. It offers a Associate's of Arts (A.S.) in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice.
10.
Argosy University For those interested in crime and criminal behavior, a Criminal Justice degree from Argosy University will allow them to pursue a wide range of opportunities. They are an excellent choice for those who have time constraints because of their multitude of flexible programs. Criminal Justice Degrees include: B.A. in Psychology - Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, and M.B.A. in Public Administration.
