Salary Expectations in Criminal Justice Careers

Salary Expectations in Criminal Justice CareersSalary Expectations in Criminal Justice CareersCriminology, in general, is all about working toward making the world a better place. Its about solving and preventing crime and helping people. At the end of each day, people with jobs incriminal justiceand related fields can feel good about the fact that theyve had some small part in contributing to society. All that said, you still need to know how much money you will make with a job in criminal justice. Criminology careersare not about getting rich, or even moderately wealthy. In fact, if your decision to enter acriminal justice careeris based on earning potential, youre likely going to be sorely disappointed. There are, however, a number of other benefits and rewards that can help make the job not only personally satisfying but financially beneficial, as well. Criminal Justice Career Opportunities and Salaries To help you learn how you can make the fruchtwein of yourcriminology degr ee, heres a quick snapshot of some of the jobs available to you in the field, along with their earning potential. CriminologistCriminologists conduct research and make policy proposals for polizze organizations, community groups, and lawmakers. Employment is mostly through government agencies, universities and privately funded think tanks and research centers. Criminologists work in office settings and must be able to read and interpret data, conduct interviews and communicate well with others. Strongwriting skillsare a must. The salary range for criminologists can be anywhere between $40,000 and $122,000 per year, depending on employer and education. A career as a criminologist will require amasters degree, at a minimum. To maximize earning and employment potential, you will want to earn a doctorate in criminology or a related field. Forensic Science TechnicianForensic science technicians perform work both in the field and in the laboratory. Their most important job is crime scene investigation and evidence handling and processing. Forensic techniciansusually require abackgroundin the natural sciences, such as biology or chemistry. In most cases, a bachelors degree will be required for employment, but in some instances, a vocational certificate or relevant experience, such as working as a laboratory assistant, will suffice.? A forensic science technician can expect to earn anywhere between $32,000 and $80,000 per year. The wide salary differential is primarily due to education level and employer. The highest paying jobs will usually be with thefederal government, though large municipalities may also pay at the higher end of the salary range. Police OfficerPolice officers spend most of their time patrolling and respondingtocalls for service. It is widely regarded as adangerous job, but it is also a very personally rewarding one Police officers investigate traffic crashes and minor crimes and provide assistance to the public. They make arrests and enforce traff ic laws. They may also assist in serving warrants and securing and investigating crime scenes. Specific requirements for a career as a police officer will vary between agencies and jurisdictions, but as far as careers go, a police job is perhaps one of the best opportunities for both those with and without college degrees. Police officer salaries will range between around $30,000 and up to $90,000, though the starting salary will usually be in the low 30 to 40,000s. Many departments offer stepped pay plans and longevity pay, so the longer your career, the more you may be able to earn. In addition, careers inpolicingoften offer a number of opportunities to promote and rise through the ranks. Forensic PsychologistForensic psychologistshave a wide variety of job functions, and the title itself may refer to a number of different jobs. Simply put, a forensic psychologist is a psychologist who works with the law in some capacity or another. This may includejury consulting, prison counseli ng,criminal profiling, psychological evaluations of defendants and many other careers. Forensic psychologists may be employed bylocal governmentsand circuit courts, or by state or federal prisons. In many instances, such as in thecase of jury consultants, forensic psychologists are private practitioners. Forensic psychologists can expect to earn between $50,000 and well over $100,000 per year. As in the case of criminologists, an advanced degree will be required, preferably a doctorate. The higher earners will work as private practitioners and consultants. Additional Benefits of Criminal Justice Careers Besides Money Of course, these are only a few of the criminal justice jobs available to those who choose to enter the field. When making a decision on which career to pursue, its also important to consider other benefits, such as health insurance and retirement. In some cases, you may wish to accept a lower salary in exchange for more lucrative retirement benefits. In any case, m ake sure the job is right for you and consider the duties, work environment, and educational requirements. With the proper research and groundwork, youll be certain to find a fun and rewarding career.