4 Types of Criminal Justice Careers

Careers that fall under the law enforcement category include police officers, sheriff’s patrol officers, fish and game wardens, federal agents and detectives. Other law enforcement professionals handle functions such as research, data analysis and policy analysis for law enforcement agencies.

Police officers and other law enforcement officers protect lives and property and work to prevent crime. Their day-to-day work can vary greatly, but general responsibilities include responding to emergency and nonemergency calls, conducting patrols, issuing citations, arresting people for suspected crimes, keeping detailed reports and records, and testifying in court when needed. Police officers need to be perceptive, empathetic leaders with the physical strength and stamina to apprehend suspects.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police and detectives was about $77,270 in 2024. The BLS projects positions to increase by 3% between 2024 and 2034, about the same as the average for all occupations.

Police officers generally need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, but some agencies and departments prefer officers to have a bachelor’s degree. They must also graduate from a training academy before becoming officers.

Individuals who work in federal and local courts and legal departments have titles such as arbitrator, mediator, paralegal, legal aide, victim advocate, court clerk and legislative aide.

Arbitrators and mediators work to resolve conflicts outside the court system through communication and negotiation between the involved parties. Meanwhile, paralegals and legal assistants provide support services for lawyers such as conducting legal research and maintaining legal documents. Court clerks handle recordkeeping duties in the courtroom, while legislative aides work alongside lawmakers in the legislative branch of local, state or federal government.  

The median annual salary for arbitrators, mediators and conciliators was about $67,710 as of 2024, according to the BLS, while paralegals and legal assistants made an annual wage of $61,010. Positions for legal occupations are projected to grow 3% between 2024 and 2034.  

The duties of professionals in the legal system require strong skills in communication, research, organization, problem-solving and negotiation. A bachelor’s degree is required or preferred for many of these occupations. Individuals who want to become judges or lawyers typically need a law degree such as a Master of Laws or Juris Doctor.

Individuals who work in corrections are employed at local, state or federal jails and prisons, as well as rehabilitation facilities and government offices. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with individuals who are on probation or parole to help them achieve rehabilitation goals. Within prisons and jails, correctional officers enforce rules and supervise the activities of those in custody.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was $64,520 in 2024, while correctional officers and jailers made an annual wage of $57,970. The BLS projects employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists to grow 3% between 2024 and 2034.

Individuals typically need a bachelor’s degree to gain employment as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist. Correctional officers need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and completion of a training academy program; federal prisons require a bachelor’s degree or extensive experience.

Criminal justice careers encompass roles that shape policy defining what constitutes a crime, as well as positions enforcing these policies. However, these careers also include those working closely with community members and at-risk populations.  

Community, human and social service workers connect with community members to ensure that they’re getting the care and support they need, and develop and implement programs to help meet those needs. Job titles include social and community service manager, substance abuse counselor, health education specialist, community organizer and social worker. These professionals must be highly empathetic individuals with strong communication and organization skills.

The median annual salary for community and social service occupations as a whole was $57,530 in 2024, while social and community service managers earned $78,240, according to the BLS. Community and social service positions are expected to increase by 7% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the national average. These professionals typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree, and some positions require a master’s degree.