20 Highest Paying Jobs With a Criminal Justice Degree 2026

Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree are found in the field of criminal justice. If you're interested in working in this specialized law enforcement industry, you may want to know more about the top-paying jobs in the field.

Keep reading as we discuss some of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. We'll also take a closer look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

Highest-Paying Criminal Justice Jobs

A criminal justice degree salary can vary widely, but many positions pay top five- and even six-figure incomes. Let's explore 20 of the highest paying criminal justice degree jobs.

1. Lawyer

Estimated Median Salary: $145,760

Lawyers are masters of the law, providing legal advice to clients and sometimes representing them in court proceedings. They work in a variety of industries, often in state, local, or federal government agencies, and are an important part of the criminal justice system.

Lawyers often begin their academic careers by earning bachelor's degrees in criminal justice before pursuing law degrees. In many cases, they must then pass their state's bar examination to earn licensure and begin practicing.

2. Judge/Hearing Officer

Estimated Median Salary: $132,950

Some of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs are found in the legal field. Judges and hearing officers commonly work for local, state, and federal government agencies. They are tasked with overseeing court cases and other legal matters.

These professionals commonly earn criminal justice degrees before pursuing advanced degrees in law. They often gain several years of experience as lawyers before becoming judges.

3. Forensic Psychologist

Estimated Median Salary: $117,750

Forensic psychologists are specialized psychology professionals who seek to understand the motivations and thought processes behind criminal activities. They may be asked to conduct assessments and provide expert witness in criminal cases.

Forensic psychologists often earn criminology or criminal justice degrees as part of their academic journeys. In many cases, they need to have at least a master's degree to begin working in the field.

4. Senior Attorney

Estimated Median Salary: $108,225

Senior attorneys are similar to lawyers but typically hold specialized positions within government agencies or law firms. As one of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs, the position of senior attorney comprises many job duties, including representing individuals or organizations in court, compiling evidence, and forming convincing defenses and arguments.

These professionals must earn law degrees and become licensed to practice as attorneys in their state. They commonly earn criminal justice bachelor's degrees before entering law school.

5. Police Chief

Estimated Median Salary: $104,459

Police chiefs oversee local or state law enforcement agencies. Their duties include managing teams of law enforcement personnel, analyzing crime response within their police departments, and finding ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Police chiefs almost always hold at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. In some jurisdictions, a master's degree may be required.

6. Security Manager

Estimated Median Salary: $102,340

Security managers work in a variety of industries and settings. Their primary role is to oversee and improve security functions within an organization to protect employees, patrons, and facilities.

Most security managers are required to have a bachelor's degree, though in some cases a high school diploma is sufficient. A degree in criminal justice is often preferred.

7. First-Line Supervisor of Police/Detectives

Estimated Median Salary: $101,750

Police and detective supervisors are sometimes known as captains or lieutenants. They are responsible for supervising and coordinating teams of officers in the field.

As one of the top criminal justice jobs that pay well, this career path often requires at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and several years of law enforcement experience. Some departments may prefer candidates who hold a master's degree as well.

8. Detective/Criminal Investigator

Estimated Median Salary: $91,100

Detectives and criminal investigators conduct investigations at crime scenes and collect and analyze evidence. They may also interview suspects, victims, and witnesses and serve as expert witnesses in court.

A degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field is highly beneficial for this career path. Detectives and investigators commonly work for government law enforcement agencies.

9. Intelligence Analyst

Estimated Median Salary: $91,100

Intelligence analysts often work at the federal level, but they may work for other organizations as well. Their primary duties include gathering and analyzing information from various sources, using intelligence data to predict organized crime, and planning preventative measures.

Intelligence analysts typically need to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or something similar. However, educational requirements can vary depending on the employer.

10. FBI Agent

Estimated Median Salary: $90,427

FBI agents are federal law enforcement officers. Sometimes known as special agents, they work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to protect citizens and enforce laws at the national level.

As a top criminal justice job that pays well, FBI agents are generally expected to hold at least a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree may be preferable for some positions. These professionals must go through rigorous training programs and meet strict requirements before they can begin working.

11. Resource Conservation Officer

Estimated Median Salary: $89,840

Resource conservation officers commonly work for government agencies to monitor natural resources and preserve public safety. They commonly work in natural areas enforcing environmental policies, keeping records, and conducting investigations.

Resource conservation officers may also work to preserve ecosystems and environments within their jurisdiction, assist injured wildlife, and provide expert testimony in court. They often have bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, environmental science, or other related fields.

12. Financial Examiner

Estimated Median Salary: $84,300

Financial examiners are accounting professionals that work in many fields and industries. Those specializing in criminal justice commonly work for government agencies to ensure financial laws are being followed and to discover and investigate fraud.

Financial examiners often major in accounting, but other degrees, including criminal justice, are also common. They also receive extensive amounts of on-the-job training from more experienced professionals.

13. Criminologist

Estimated Median Salary: $81,957

Criminologists are similar to forensic psychologists, but they study crime as a whole rather than focusing on the human motivations behind it. Their primary job duties center on compiling data relative to crime and using that data to improve crime prevention and response.

These professionals commonly work for local and state agencies but may be found in other organizations as well. They are usually expected to hold at least a bachelor's degree in criminology or criminal justice.

14. Forensic Accountant

Estimated Median Salary: $78,749

Forensic accountants are accounting professionals who specialize in criminal justice. They play important roles in investigating crimes like embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.

Forensic accountants often work with other criminal justice professionals to gather evidence and may provide expert testimony in courtroom proceedings. They usually have a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, criminal justice, or a similar field.

15. Police Officer

Estimated Median Salary: $74,910

Police officers are some of the most well-known and recognizable criminal justice professionals. They work for local and state law enforcement departments patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, and enforcing local laws.

Police officers have a variety of job duties ranging from completing paperwork to arresting suspects to gathering evidence at crime scenes. Many police officers have bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, though some departments may only require a high school diploma or associate degree. Officers must also complete training through their local department's police academy.

16. Fire Investigator

Estimated Median Salary: $74,110

Fire investigators are sent to investigate the causes of fires and explosions. They gather evidence at the site of fires, interview witnesses, and provide testimony in court when necessary.

These professionals often have fire science or related degrees, but criminal justice degrees are also common. They also typically have several years of related experience in firefighting, emergency management, or law enforcement.

17. First-Line Supervisor of Correctional Officers

Estimated Median Salary: $70,530

Supervisors of correctional officers manage and oversee teams of law enforcement personnel at jails and other corrections facilities. They coordinate activities at the facilities and serve in supervisory roles.

Supervisors of correctional officers commonly have bachelor's degrees, though this isn't always necessary. Those with bachelor's degrees in criminal justice or related fields may be given preference over other candidates.

18. Staff Attorney

Estimated Median Salary: $70,478

Staff attorneys serve as internal lawyers for specific companies and organizations rather than working for legal firms. They are commonly employed by schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

Staff attorneys perform many daily job duties, including providing legal advice to company executives, drafting contracts, and attending legislative committees. They often have bachelor's degrees in criminal justice or related fields along with law degrees.

19. Criminal Justice Professor

Estimated Median Salary: $69,030

Criminal justice professors teach beginning and advanced classes on criminal justice at colleges and universities. They may also conduct research related to criminal justice at their respective institutions.

These professors typically have bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees related to criminal justice and postsecondary education. They may also have work experience in the criminal justice field.

20. Forensic Science Technician

Estimated Median Salary: $64,940

Forensic science technicians specialize in gathering and analyzing evidence related to crime scenes. They typically work either in the field or in a laboratory setting.

Daily tasks often include taking photos at crime scenes, collecting and preserving evidence like fingerprints and weapons, and recording their observations. They typically hold bachelor's degrees in forensic science or criminal justice and often need to gain on-the-job experience as well.

What These High-Paying Criminal Justice Careers Have in Common

The roles on this list tend to reward strong judgment, leadership, and the ability to make high-stakes decisions under pressure. Whether you're managing an investigation, overseeing a correctional facility, or leading a law enforcement team, these positions depend on the kind of critical thinking and accountability that comes with real authority and responsibility.

Many of these careers also offer clear paths for advancement, since criminal justice agencies and related organizations often promote from within based on experience and additional training. That structured career ladder is part of why criminal justice professionals can see substantial salary growth over the course of their careers, even without switching employers.

Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Career Path for Your Goals

Criminal justice offers several distinct paths, including law enforcement, corrections, federal service, and legal or investigative work, and each one comes with a different day-to-day experience. Thinking through whether you prefer fieldwork, administrative leadership, or investigative analysis can help you narrow down which path fits you best before you commit to a specific specialization.

Your choice of path can also shape your required credentials and training. Federal roles often require additional coursework, exams, or specialized academy training beyond a standard degree, while some state and local positions may offer more direct entry paths for qualified candidates.

FAQs About Top Paying Criminal Justice Jobs

If you still have questions about high-paying careers in criminal justice, you're not alone. Let's look at some common questions you may have about the best paying jobs.

How Much Do Criminal Justice Majors Make?

Criminal justice degree jobs offer a wide range of potential salaries. Entry-level or non-government professionals, such as private detectives and probation officers, earn an average of about $50,000 to $60,000 a year. The highest-paying jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree more than double those figures in some cases. Each of the career paths featured in this article has average salaries ranging from around $65,000 to more than $145,000 a year.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

You can pursue various career and educational paths with a degree in criminal justice. Some students go on to law school and enter the legal profession, while others become law enforcement officers, social work professionals, or cybersecurity specialists. Other popular career opportunities are found in public safety, homeland security, and the private sector.

Do You Need a Master's Degree for Higher-Paying Criminal Justice Roles?

A master's degree isn't required for many of the higher-paying roles on this list, since plenty of criminal justice professionals advance through experience, additional training, and promotions rather than graduate coursework. That said, a master's degree can help you move more quickly into leadership, federal, or specialized investigative roles. Whether it's worth pursuing typically depends on the specific career path and agency you're targeting.

Which Sectors Pay the Most for Criminal Justice Professionals?

Federal agencies and specialized investigative roles tend to offer some of the strongest salaries in criminal justice, often outpacing comparable state or local positions. Private sector opportunities in areas like corporate security and cybersecurity investigations can also pay well, particularly for candidates with specialized training or certifications. Researching salary data for your specific target agency or sector can give you a clearer sense of realistic earning potential.

Do These Careers Require Additional Licensing or Certification?

Many criminal justice careers require additional certification or training beyond a degree, such as completing a law enforcement academy, earning a private investigator license, or obtaining specialized security clearances for federal roles. Requirements vary significantly by state, agency, and specific job title, so it's worth researching the exact path for your target role early on. Meeting these requirements often adds time to your career timeline, but it can also open doors to higher-paying, more specialized positions.

Find a Criminal Justice Degree Program

If you're ready to explore the best and easiest criminal justice degrees, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their criminal justice programs and to find the right one for you.