The criminal justice field is an exciting one to work in, with lots of opportunities for growth and advancement. It also offers many benefits, including job security and an educational path that opens doors to other professions. According to the BLS, criminal justice careers are expected to grow by 5% through 2028. The most popular criminal justice careers are police officers and detectives; however, the growth rate in this field is expected to be more than double that of any other occupation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular careers in criminal justice as well as the demand there is for each one.
Secret Service Agent
Secret Service agents are federal law enforcement officers who protect the president, vice president, and their families. They also protect former presidents and their spouses for life. Secret Service agents typically work in teams to provide security at presidential events such as inaugurations or state visits. Agents often work alongside local police departments to provide traffic management during large-scale events like parades or concerts where large crowds gather together. Becoming a secret service agent is very competitive. Applicants must possess a four-year college degree, must be in great physical condition, and should have a clear criminal record. The average salary for a secret service agent is $104,000 per year in the US.
Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators are detectives and law enforcement officers who collect evidence in criminal cases. They also help to solve crimes and track down offenders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this job is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% between 2018 and 2028, which means there will be more opportunities for people with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As a criminal investigator in the US, you can expect to earn around $75,000 per year.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists are responsible for determining the mental state of criminal defendants, as well as identifying factors that may lead to violent behavior. They also provide expert testimony in court cases and help law enforcement officers determine whether or not a person is lying. Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement, courts, and prisons to determine if people are competent enough to stand trial or sentence. They examine evidence at crime scenes or during interrogation sessions to look for clues about the perpetrator’s state of mind at the time of commission (the act). The average salary for this position in the US is $75,000 per year.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants are tasked with investigating financial matters related to fraud and embezzlement. They may be involved in fraud investigations, bankruptcy proceedings, or insurance claims. Forensic accountants may work with law enforcement agencies or government agencies to investigate financial crimes by searching for possible signs of wrongdoing within companies’ records and transactions. The average salary for this role is $71,000 per year in the US.
DEA Agent
DEA agents are responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. They also investigate drug crimes, including selling, distribution, and smuggling. After graduation, DEA recruits undergo 4-6 months of training to learn the necessary gun handling, investigative, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. After completing the training, agents choose career specializations. Specializations significantly impact day-to-day tasks, work environments, potential job growth, and salaries. The average salary for this role is $80,000 a year.
FBI Agent
FBI agents are responsible for investigating federal crimes. They work in a variety of fields, including counterterrorism and cybercrime. The FBI has two types of agents: criminal investigators and civil investigators. Civilians with bachelor’s degrees who want to become FBI agents must complete additional training before applying to the agency. Whereas local or state detectives investigate violations of local or state law, FBI agents investigate violations of federal law. Any crime that crosses state lines is investigated by the FBI. This includes financial fraud, cybercrime, insurance fraud, organized crime, human trafficking, drug crime, and various other crimes. As an FBI agent, you can expect to earn about $77,000 per year on average.
Detective
Detectives are responsible for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing data. Some detectives work in plain clothes or in uniform, while others patrol the streets wearing a badge and gun. Detective positions can be found at law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. The average salary for this role in the US is $50,000 a year.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security is the federal agency that protects the United States from terrorist attacks and other national security threats. The job description includes investigating crimes, promoting security measures, and ensuring that citizens are protected from terrorism. The duties can be stressful, dangerous, and rewarding all at once! The average salary for this position is $63,000 per year in the US.
Crime Lab Analyst
Analysts in crime labs examine crime scenes, collect samples for analysis, and process samples to determine information. Their findings assist police and investigators in identifying witnesses, making arrests, and testifying in court against criminals. Toxicology, DNA analysis, blood analysis, fingerprinting, and other forensic methods are used by crime lab analysts to gather information. They must have a bachelor’s degree, but some employers, including those at the federal level, prefer candidates with forensics-related graduate degrees. As a crime lab analyst, you can expect to earn around $61,000 per year in the US.
Private Security
Private security officers are responsible for protecting people and property. They work in a number of different sectors, including retail, banking, and transportation. Private security officers may be required to carry guns at all times while on duty or need to be trained in safety procedures such as wearing protective clothing and respirators (or masks) when working in hazardous environments such as chemical plants or nuclear power plants. The average salary for this tole is $38,000 per year in the US.
Conclusion
Criminal justice is a great career choice because it offers a variety of opportunities and growth paths. You can work in law enforcement as an investigator, forensic psychologist, or accountant. There are also many jobs in social services, private security, and homeland security. And with the growing demand for criminal justice workers, there’s never been a better time to get your degree!