)If you’re considering pursuing a criminal justice degree online, you’ve got a vast number of opportunities available to you once you graduate. Regardless of whether you’re pursuing an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree, you can earn an above average salary in your desired career. Here are the top 10 criminal justice jobs and the average salary for each.
Detective – $89,354
Detectives are popular characters in television drama series. Their “in your face” style of police work makes for good TV; however, in reality, detectives often have to perform their duties unnoticed. It’s their job to uncover details and make discoveries in regard to crimes – sometimes investigating cold cases. Detectives called “private investigators” sometimes work for a husband or wife to uncover a cheating spouse, or they may be hired to locate a loved one who has been separated from her family. In some cases, detectives must operate special sound equipment or cameras as part of their covert investigations.
Criminal Investigator – $86,012
Criminal investigators may work alone or as part of a law enforcement team. Their job is to solve crimes, which includes detaining suspects. They may be required to work undercover, using disguises or aliases to uncover criminal activity. A criminal investigator may also engage in secret surveillance activities to investigate crimes, which may include tracing phone calls, doing background checks, or engaging in covert surveillance activity.
FBI Agent – $79,648
Consider the most important arm of the United States Department of Justice, the FBI employs agents to investigate criminal activity to protect the country from terrorists, to assist and lead local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies; and to investigate and uphold the law in regard to criminal investigations. FBI agents may work to investigate and solve crimes relating to financial crime, organized crime, and foreign counterintelligence, just to name a few.
Police Officer – $74,464
A police officer has the job to serve and protect the community at large, which includes enforcing laws and preventing crime. Because police officers may work in communities or enforce highway laws, their duties vary depending on where they work. They may issue citations, collect evidence, and arrest suspects. Often, police officers are called to educate youth by giving educational talks in schools and community centers. They are also responsible for diffusing hostage crises and performing drug busts, as well as testifying in court.
Secret Service Agent – $68,288
A secret service agent is the “jack of all trades” of law enforcement agents. Because they are responsible for protecting high-profile individuals, he or she must be prepared to expect the unexpected. Although many secret service agents may work as body guards, they must also be trained in the use of firearms, electronics, computers, and crowd control. They may perform the same duties as police officers to uphold the law.
A career in law enforcement offers many possibilities. If you are seriously considering earning a criminal justice degree online, do your research. Be sure that you follow the appropriate degree track for the criminal justice career you want to pursue.
