Highest Paying Criminology Jobs (2023)

High payProfessions in criminologywon't make anyone a millionaire. On the other hand, people don't go into the field to become CEOs of large Fortune 500 companies either. High-paying careers in criminology are rewarding for many in the research and study aspects that those who find a career in the field enjoy exploring and analyzing. As noted above, the highest-paying job in criminology is unlikely to exceed $70,000 per year, but many pursue the field anyway because they feel they are doing community-building work that matters, and they do have a real fascination with the study of crime and how to prevent that from happening in the future. In that regard, they feel like they essentially have high-paying careers in criminology, even if the paycheck itself doesn't match the Las Vegas wins.

Criminologists also find a great deal of personal relevance and involvement in current issues affecting society. Many feel spiritually and personally rewarded by their participationsocial problems in real timerelated to crime that they would never have access to if they were working in a typical private company career focused on selling products or services. These are people who see a good career in research, analysis, theory development and more that just isn't possible in the typical R&D fields of many other employers.

Selected Schools

The positions are presented according to the average income according to the current data of the tariff table.

1. Forensic Psychologists

Forensic Psychologistsconduct various types of assessments, including competency assessments and threat assessments. They also provide counseling services for victims who have experienced some type of crime. They are also used in the verification process for law enforcement and other government agencies. Forensic psychologists often begin their careers with aBachelor's degree in Psychology. Forensic courses can be included as a specialization in the course.

Qualified forensic psychologists are in high demand if you search in the right fields. Larger metropolitan areas often have multiple openings, while a smaller rural community may have none at all. When a forensic psychologist first enters the workforce, they will be lucky enough to earn $75,000. However, over time and amaybe a master's degree, they can average anywhere from $125,000 to $130,000 per year. The more experience a person can gain in this field, the more he can earn annually. In addition to higher pay, their benefit package will also be lucrative.

salary: $129.500,00

2. Police Identification and Recording Officers (crime scene evidence technicians)

A police identification and record officer is also referred to asCrime Scene Evidence Technician. A criminal justice degree with a specialization in evidence preservation and forensics is extremely beneficial but may not be required. You learn a lot in this job “hands-on”. A degree will give you a huge head start in building a career in law enforcement. Part of a police identification and records officer's job is to collect and catalog all types of evidence found at crime scenes or collected from the victim. Responsibilities include being very organized and having an eye for detail. Graduates must be very meticulous in how they collect and label each piece of evidence.

There is a police identification and records officer at most police stations or law enforcement agencies. When an officer starts, his salary can be as little as $45,000-$50,000 per year. Once they start gaining the experience they need to be competent, their earning potential will increase dramatically. With a few years of experience, they can earn up to $85,000 a year on average. The pay for this type of position depends on the size of the department and its location.

salary: $85.000,00

3. Criminologists and sociologists

Criminologists and sociologists study crime and its impact on society. Sociologists also study how social behaviors contribute to criminal activity and behavior. One of these unique and highly specialized positions often requires a degree in criminology, criminal justice, psychology or sociology. Criminologists and sociologists are often called in to try to find predictable patterns and other types of clues in the absence of tangible evidence. These positions require attention to minute detail, as well as the ability to follow clues logically to identify patterns and other behaviors that can be used to solve a crime.

Demand for this type of job tends to be low in rural areas, but increases dramatically when you move to densely populated areas. The average wage for this type of job is around $84,000, depending on where you are and how much experience you have. The more experience you gain by working in this field, the more directly impacts your earning potential.

salary: $83.400,00

4. Immigration and Customs Inspectors

Immigration and Customs Inspectorsare often hired by TSA and work at many major airports and ports across the country, particularly those that offer "international" travel. Individuals who choose this type of work may benefit from an interdisciplinary degree or a degree in migration. More often than not, however, the training required for either of these positions comes from the TSA or other government agencies that support international travel and trade. It is important that individuals who choose this type of work are prepared and learn as much as possible from their training before starting the job.

The general prospects for this type of job are good if you live in an area that supports international travel. Larger airports and other types of depots or train stations require more manpower than smaller areas. In terms of pay, the average salary for this type of position is around $73,000 per year. Entry-level employees can expect to earn significantly less, but the more experience a person gains, the higher the salary they are entitled to.

salary: $73.100,00

5. Forensic accountants and auditors

Forensic accountants and auditors must have a strong accounting and business background. It's also a good idea for forensic examiners to have a degree or certification in forensic science. These types of positions require exceptional mathematical skills and the ability to spot even the smallest inconsistencies in a company's or individual's financial records and accounts. You must be able to solve complex math problems and decipher where money comes from and where it goes. Financial auditors need to be committed and held to the highest standards when it comes to working with large amounts of money and assets.

Forensic accountants and auditors find work in insurance agencies, financial institutions, brokerage houses, and law firms. The demand for these jobs is constantly increasing. The average salary for this type of work is between $70,000 and $75,000 per year for those with a few years of experience. Individuals who are just starting out but have an exemplary GPA with a degree in finance or accounting may be able to make a modest amount, albeit slightly less than the stated average. Individuals who remain in this field and maintain their certifications and licenses can earn well above the $75,000 average after several years of experience.

salary: $71.500,00

6. University professor

College professors must have a degree in the subject they will be teaching, especially if it is a class that is part of an accredited degree program. Many professors have completed a PhD program to have a thorough knowledge of the subject they teach. While certifications are a plus, they are not required. A professor's job description involves teaching college-level courses in a classroom through an online platform. The professor must be able to teach the students and provide tests that are used to assess what the students have retained over the course of the lesson.

College professors who can provide quality education to their students are always in high demand. With today's online learning platforms, professors can teach from within the college or from a remote location. Depending on their level of education and the amount of experience they have gained in the real world and as a teacher, their pay will vary. In most cases, an average salary of around $71,000 per year is considered a reasonable amount. Professors who have been with us for many years can expect to earn more simply because of their tenure.

salary: $70.400,00

7. Arbitrators, mediators and arbitrators

Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators are employed by lawyers, large corporations and any other business where conflict resolution plays an essential role. Arbitrators, mediators and arbitrators are tasked with handling any dispute or conflict between two or more parties so that a fair and equitable outcome can be achieved. To be employed in this line of work, you must have a bachelor's degree or higher in dispute resolution or mediation. Psychology and interpersonal communication are also a plus. Some states also require mediators to be certified/licensed and bonded.

The demand for mediators, arbitrators and conciliators depends on where you live. Smaller communities will have less need for this type of work than large cities where it is in high demand. The average annual salary for a referee is around $64,000. The more experience a candidate has, the higher their earning potential. Experience and education are both key factors, but a person's value will increase dramatically once they are known to be a powerful negotiator.

salary: $63.900,00

8. Fire inspectors and investigators

fire inspectors and investigatorsare highly qualified professionals who often begin their careers as firefighters either on a voluntary basis or as part of a paid fire service. Fire inspectors are required to complete at least a two-year degree, while fire investigators, particularly those wishing to work at the federal level, are required to earn a four-year fire science degree. Fire inspectors inspect both homes and commercial buildings to identify fire hazards. They offer recommendations and work with building owners to ensure they comply with state fire codes. Fire investigators are called in after a fire to determine the cause of the fire and what could possibly have been done to prevent the fire.

Fire inspectors and investigators often go into their jobs with many years of experience. An average annual salary of around $61,000 can be expected if an individual has the required education as well as a modest amount of experience to rely on. Fire inspectors and investigators are in demand almost everywhere. Even small towns have an inspector who comes in and makes sure local properties are safe from common fire hazards.

salary: $60.900,00

9. Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic Science Technicianscan work in a lab setting or outside on crime scenes. In any case, they need at least a bachelor's degree or higher in biology, chemistry, or another science major. A forensic science degree, along with on-the-job training, can provide most of what a technician needs once they start work. Responsibilities include collecting evidence, storing and labeling evidence, administering tests, and creating case files. Technicians must also have a great love for detail and be able to remember even the smallest facts.

Forensic Science Technicians are primarily found in medium to large sized communities. The average salary for forensic science technicians is approximately $60,000 per year. For individuals who are just starting out and are working with little experience, they may be offered less to get started. However, as they gain more experience, income increases along with their job performance. People with years of experience can expect higher salaries and better opportunities for advancement.

salary: 59.100,00 $

10. Fish and game wardens

Jobs as fish and game wardensare ideal for people who like to spend their time in nature. Each state has different educational requirements, but most require at least an associate's or bachelor's degree from a school that offers accredited programs. Most departments prefer the degree to be in a science or criminal law field. A fish and game warden's duties include complying with laws associated with hunting and fishing, and managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of counties and state parks.

Most counties will have a fish and game warden if they do not have state parks or national areas. The reason for this is the enforcement of hunting and fishing laws at the local level. The average salary for a fish and game warden ranges from $55,000 to $60,000 depending on the scope of the job. The more time they have on the job to gain valuable experience, the higher their earning potential will be over the years. You may also be offered senior management positions within the park system.

salary: 57.700,00 $

How much can I make with a criminology degree?

The salary range of a criminologist tends to be in line withsociologists in general. The high-paying crime-related jobs total about $70,000 a year. However, the majority of people working in this field make between $40,000 and $70,000 depending on their experience and position. That's lower than general sociologists, who represent the entire industry group, they saidUS Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because many criminologists work in an educational program area, they also have additional benefits that may not be available in regular career positions, such as: B. improved retirement benefits, as well as robust healthcare plans. These additional compensation features combined can make high-paying forensic science jobs better when considering all the benefits an employee receives versus just the salary figure alone. While the highest-paying jobs with a degree in criminology won't necessarily be in the six figures, those working in the field will live comfortably.

How Can I Get a Better Criminology Job?

There are several ways that working professionals can expand their latitude and ability to argue for the best criminology jobs. First, they can develop experience and specialization in key aspects of criminology. Some of the best criminology jobs are highly specialized in key areas of study, since so many critical crimes depend on key factors covered by the specialization.

Another way to secure the best criminology graduate jobs, believe it or not, is to return to school to earn additional certificates and postgraduate degrees. These aspects give an employee an advantage over colleagues who also have a similar background, experience and education. A certificate or postgraduate degree could push a candidate into a higher class than everyone else in the candidate pool, all else being equal between competitors.

It is notable that many of the best criminology major jobs are in the federal government. Because of the numerous agencies involved in crime and law enforcement, as well as the statewide coverage that usually accompanies it, candidates often find their best prospects with the federal government compared to anywhere. The vastly larger agencies, budgets, and staffing requirements make federal agencies the number one employer with the best criminology degree jobs. They also pay best at the upper tiers, with some rare positions bringing in as much as $84,100 annually.

However, applicants should note that statistically there is still a gender gap in this area. While the genders are equally represented on the study and candidate side, in practice this cannot be said about the remuneration. Comparing average salaries, criminologists tend to earn less than men in the same roles and fields. Thissalary differenceappears to have the best criminology graduate jobs, which pay only a high end of $51,500 a year for women, while men can make at least $20,000 more by comparison. It's also being reinforced on the research side of the field, as those desiring research publicity to further their new career will need to work with a well-known male leadership voice in the industry.

Finally, as in many other industries, networking is a huge factor in a person's financial career success. Who you know can have as much impact on a person's new criminology career as what you know, and probably even more on the long term of a person's working life.

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