Criminal Justice Career Outlook
If you are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, the good news is that the criminal justice career outlook is good for most jobs within the industry through 2018. There are numerous different careers within the criminal justice sector, and there is something for everyone in this fast growing field.
Careers Within the Criminal Justice Field
There are several main types of careers within the criminal justice field. Police officers, for example, help to keep the peace by responding to 911 calls, directing traffic, patrolling their assigned areas and maintaining law and order. Detectives solve crimes that occur, helping to ensure criminals are brought to justice. Forensic scientists also work to solve crimes, while paralegals work with lawyers to prosecute or defend criminals. Finally, wardens and prison guards maintain order in prisons and jails while probation officers help former criminals once they have been released.
Criminal Justice Job Outlook and Finding Employment
Many jobs will be available in numerous industries related to criminal justice. Police officers work at local police stations, as do detectives. Forensic scientists also work with police departments. These departments are primarily at the local level, although some who work for the FBI or other federal enforcement agencies work for the federal government. Lawyers work in law offices, while probation officers also work within the context of police buildings.
Job in the criminal justice field come with a high degree of responsibility. Those in the field are expected to act as officers of the court or of the public. Individuals within their respective fields must be prepared to work unusual or long hours if necessary, in order to ensure the maintenance of justice. Individuals must also deal with high levels of stress at times, and must be comfortable working on crime scenes and interacting with criminals on a regular basis.
Criminal Justice Salaries
According to the bureau of labor statistics reports as of 2008, there is significant job growth projected in all of the different criminal justice fields. For example:
- Jobs within the police force as police officers are expected to grow at a rate of approximately 10 percent through 2018, which is on par for the average of all jobs. The average salary for police officers is $51,410
- Job growth for police detectives is also expected to be about 10 percent. The average salary for a police detective is $75,409
- Jobs for probation officers are expected to grow at a rate of 19 percent, higher than the average. The average salary for a probation officer is $64,110
- Jobs for forensic scientist are also expected to grow at around 20 percent, much higher than the 10 percent average across all jobs. The average salary for forensic science is $80,330
- Jobs for paralegals are expected to grow the most, at a rate of 28 percent through 2018. The average salary for paralegals is $46,120
