Key takeaways
- Judges, FBI specialists/agents, criminologists, financial examiners, and intelligence analysts are some well-paying criminology jobs.
- Criminology majors investigate the reasonings, impacts, and solutions for criminal activities through sociology, politics, anthropology, and economics.
- The significance of studying criminology lies in being able to think holistically, help the masses, and have better job flexibility.
- Seeking job openings on company websites, and visiting companies in person, can help people find relevant jobs.
- The highest-paying job is that of a judge; they receive approximately $128,710 yearly.
- People interested in cybercrime can pursue criminology jobs like fraud investigators, senior cybersecurity experts, and cyber reporting analysts.
- Effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are crucial for a successful criminology career.
- The average criminology wage in the US is $39.03 an hour.
- Physical and mental fitness are important for certain criminology jobs like FBI agents.
If you want to eliminate crime in society by studying criminological theories in college – consider traditional and online US colleges for criminology! Most importantly, while a criminology degree is morally fulfilling, it pays well. Did you know that judges in the US get paid around $128,710 in a year? Yes, that’s right. If you were wondering if criminology jobs don’t pay well, hold that thought. The median yearly salary for a criminologist in the USA is around $83,173.
This blog post will discuss some of the highest-paying criminology jobs in the USA, like judges, FBI specialists, etc. We will also delve into the basics of criminology, the relevance of criminology, and the tips to research criminology jobs! So, let’s begin!
What does criminology mean?
However, people have different interpretations of criminology. For instance, some would say criminology revolves around ethical norms, while some believe it is about punishing and treating criminals. They are not wrong. It is a compilation of understanding crime, discovering prevention techniques, interpreting the criminal mindset, and spreading awareness among the public.
What is the purpose of studying criminology?
People have been committing crimes since the beginning of time. The reasons for criminal activities are jealousy, anger, mistrust, money, and more. We need criminologists to prevent crime and maintain law and order within society. Hence, the demand for criminologists has risen recently.
The following list elaborates on the rationale for pursuing criminology in college:
Several interpretations
Haven’t you noticed that criminal activities are generally portrayed negatively in the media? The crimes committed by offenders are broadly popularized by depicting the nature of crime. However, does the media highlight the reasoning behind it? They barely do. Criminologists conduct in-depth research and analysis, similar to sociology undergraduates, to understand the root cause of issues. They perceive situations holistically and provide a balanced perspective of crime and offenders.
When criminologists look into the logic for crime, they analyze situations socially, psychologically, economically, biologically, politically, etc. Critical analysis of crimes assists criminologists in discovering crime prevention techniques. Examples are providing rehabilitation and education to offenders to help them grow personally. Such methods are beneficial for the reduction of crime in the long run.
Positive impact on society
Do you want to enhance societal conditions? Criminologists spread awareness of the reality of crime with extensive research and analysis, that isn’t depicted in mainstream media. Law enforcement agencies, prisons, and other private and non-private firms are some professionals and organizations working with criminologists.
Collaborative work helps criminologists create strong reports due to the validity and credibility of resources. These reports provide professionals with crucial data about crime, prevention methods, crime trends, etc.
Work flexibility
Do you get bored with things easily? Criminologists do not have to worry about monotony because of the various career options. For instance, if your interest lies in cybercrime, you can look into career options like fraud investigator, senior cybersecurity expert, cyber reporting analyst, etc. Whereas, if you are intrigued by multiple aspects of criminology, you can always collaborate with professionals to work on particular projects.
Furthermore, you can always move if you don’t want to live in your hometown anymore! Do you think there is any country that does not seek balance and harmony in society? Exactly, the demand for criminologists is not going down any time soon. Hence, criminologists can work anywhere in the world.
Perpetual change
Criminals continue to discover new and creative ways of criminal activities. That is because most organizations are prepared mentally and physically for worst-case scenarios, like robberies. For that reason, offenders use brainpower to think of new ways to commit illicit operations. Therefore, criminologists must continuously research crime prevention techniques per trends and future possibilities.
Since changes in criminal behavior depict the need for continuous research, professionals must remain assured of new chances of learning, research, and job options. This means that criminologists have several options to discover and partake in. Are you aware of other careers with similar opportunities?
Highest-paying criminology jobs
Do you want undergraduate degree advice and info concerning the highest-paying criminology jobs in the US? If yes, read about it in-depth below:
Judge
Judges are at the top of the list because they are responsible for crucial tasks. Their responsibilities include leading court proceedings, analyzing legal matters, sentencing people as per legal laws, etc. For this reason, judges must possess critical thinking, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
To become a judge, individuals must possess a degree in criminology or law, attorney-related experience, pass the US Office of Personnel Management exam, and certificates/licenses as per the state requirement.
| Judge | $128,710 |
FBI specialist
FBI specialists are also among the highest-paid criminology professions because of the excessive skills and knowledge required to become one. They need training and expertise to work on significant operations and task forces. According to experience, FBI specialists can make approximately $137,000.
Their tasks revolve around discovering solutions for federal crime and helping special investigators with criminal and special operations. For a career as an FBI specialist, students must earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology, possess a couple of years of experience, be physically fit, and get top secret/sensitive compartmented information clearance.
| FBI specialist | $100,000 |
FBI agent
As you must have guessed, the tasks of FBI agents are similar to that of FBI specialists. However, being an FBI agent is not at all convenient. Their tasks are dangerous, therefore not everyone can reach the recruitment level. Also, the procedure can take a while because individuals need a lot of expertise and skills.
An FBI agent’s job is to research and examine criminal cases on a federal level. They must compile data, arrest offenders, and conduct surveillance over online operations. To become an FBI agent, you need a bachelor’s degree in criminology or criminal justice, relevant expertise of law enforcement agencies, pass physical exams, and several background checks! So, are you up for the challenge?
| FBI agent | $93,970 |
Criminologist
Of course, we cannot miss out on criminologists. Their salary depends on their years of experience; however, an average is mentioned below. Did you know that criminologists were also recognized as sociologists? The logical explanation for that is criminologists’ tasks are mainly researching work concerning criminal activities, gathering data, and analysis of crime scene-related info. The tasks are akin to that of sociologists!
To become a criminologist, get a criminology, sociology, or psychology degree and gain expertise to analyze crime rates and other statistics. Also, a master’s degree and PhD can help criminologists grow professionally, resulting in higher salaries.
| Criminologist | $92,910 |
Financial examiner
Financial examiners and intelligence analysts have more or less similar responsibilities. They must possess expertise and knowledge regarding accounting, mathematics, and numerical info. The rationale behind mathematical expertise is that they must help law enforcement agencies with finance-related documents to investigate fraudulent activities like money laundering.
Individuals should earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology or any finance-related program. Additionally, certificates and licenses can increase the chances of financial examiners earning high salaries!
| Financial examiner | $81,410 |
Intelligence analyst
Did you know that several intelligence analysts work with the FBI? If you have watched Sherlock or Breaking Bad, you would know. Generally, the federal government hires intelligence analysts to compile and analyze information to eradicate potential security threats. In case there are, intelligence analysts are responsible for discovering solutions.
Intelligence analysts must have a bachelor’s degree in criminology or political science, a few years of professional experience, and the ability to pass background checks.
| Intelligence analyst | $72,429 |
Forensic psychologist
Forensic psychologists are well-paid due to the significance of their tasks like utilizing psychological theories for criminal cases and ensuring offenders get the right treatment. They must know about human thinking and behavioral patterns to comprehend and analyze criminal activities and offenders.
The basic tasks alluded to by forensic psychologists are holding counseling sessions with offenders, discussing criminal activities with suspects, participating in prosecutions, and helping law enforcement agencies. Forensic psychologists must possess a doctorate and pass the professional practice in psychology exam!
| Forensic psychologist | $72,285 |
Security manager
Criminology majors can become security managers if they are fascinated by problem-solving and critical thinking. Security managers must resolve IT security problems, manage professionals working on security measures, and hire workers. They are also responsible for assessing security tools and the creation of budgets.
Security managers should study criminology or security management in college; certificates and a master’s degree can further enhance an individual’s professional life.
| Security manager | $71,922 |
Police officer
This profession is one of the most commonplace of them all. Police officers play a crucial role in society because they maintain law and order. As per research, the top ten percent have received about $106,090. Police officers must patrol areas for security purposes, observe traffic rules implemented, reply to emergency and non-emergency calls by civilians, etc.
To become a police officer, individuals can study criminology or another program and enroll in a police academy to attain relevant knowledge and skills.
| Police officer | $66,020 |
How to search for the highest-paying criminology jobs?
Seeking high-paying criminology jobs over the Internet can be difficult. However, some tips help individuals with the search like searching on job and organizations’ websites and visiting companies.
The factors are explained in depth below:
Job websites
Several job websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder, and even LinkedIn, can help graduates or people in between jobs find job opportunities relevant to their field. Hence, people should keep checking such websites and applying. For greater success, make sure that your resume is updated!
Furthermore, job websites let people alter the salary bracket for specific results. Such websites also have beneficial blogs and articles concerning job requirements and application procedures.
Company websites
It is crucial to check company websites for job vacancies. For instance, graduates seeking attorney positions must look into the Department of Homeland Security website. Company websites, generally, have a list of job openings alongside relevant details about job descriptions, deadlines, etc.
Visit private or non-private organizations
Sometimes visiting the company can help graduates get a job! For instance, to become a police officer, try visiting police stations. That way you can find out about job openings, apply in person by submitting your resume to the relevant professional, and chat with them.
Pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminology to find a high-paying criminology job!
In a nutshell, graduates have several criminology career opportunities to pursue with a degree in criminology. Careers with a criminology degree like judges, FBI agents/specialists, and police officers have high demand and salaries. Hence, high-school students need not worry about criminology jobs while considering pursuing criminology in college!
Moreover, studying criminology helps students think holistically using sociological, psychological, and economic concepts for analysis. For college planning, remain updated about trends and careers in criminology, since they are continuously evolving due to their dynamic nature. So, apply to US undergraduate criminology programs to grow professionally and personally!