If you’re curious about why people commit crimes—or how society can prevent them—you’re already thinking like a criminologist. A degree in criminology can open doors to meaningful, well-paid roles in law enforcement, policy, research, and social impact. From probation officers to data analysts, criminology graduates help keep communities safe while understanding the human behavior behind crime.
Criminology careers are evolving fast as technology transforms how justice systems operate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for forensic and criminology-related roles is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Whether you’re switching careers or planning your first step into the field, this guide breaks down rewarding criminology jobs, what they pay, and how to get started.
Key Takeaways
- Criminology focuses on understanding the causes of crime and human behavior, while criminal justice deals with enforcing laws and managing offenders.
- Career options range from law enforcement and forensic science to policy research, social work, and digital forensics.
- Salaries vary by education level, employer type, and specialization, with higher wages typically linked to advanced degrees or certifications.
- Demand for criminology professionals is rising, fueled by growth in cyber crime, data-driven policing, and behavioral analysis roles.
- Graduate programs and professional associations can expand networking opportunities and open doors to leadership or research positions.
- Building a portfolio that showcases data, analysis, and research projects can help job seekers stand out to employers in this competitive field.
Criminology Career Overview: Is a Criminology Career Worth It?
A degree in criminology unlocks careers that analyze crime causes, human behavior, and justice system responses. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, criminology and criminal justice serve different purposes. Criminology focuses on studying the causes of crime and human behavior, while criminal justice centers on the systems and structures used to enforce the law. A criminology degree often leads to research, policy, or analytical roles, whereas criminal justice degrees frequently prepare students for law enforcement or corrections positions.
Modern criminology careers increasingly involve technology-driven approaches, including digital forensics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to predict crime trends and identify behavioral patterns. These emerging areas are reshaping how law enforcement and policy professionals prevent and solve crimes.
Criminology Job Outlook
Job opportunities for criminology-informed roles are growing faster than average as justice systems adapt to data-driven crime prevention. Criminologists are categorized under forensic science technicians by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,900 openings each year on average.1
The increased demand is expected to come from replacing workers who exit or transfer from the field and expanding needs in cyber crime, fraud detection, and behavioral analysis.2
Criminology Salaries
Salaries for criminology and forensic science roles vary significantly based on level of education, specialization, and employer sector. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024, while the broader life, physical, and social science group reported a median of $55,810.3
Earnings in criminology vary widely depending on education level, specialization, geographic region, and employer type. Federal and state agencies tend to offer higher pay and stronger benefits packages, while private investigation or consulting firms may offer greater flexibility but less stability. Many government roles also include pensions and early retirement options, making long-term financial stability a strong incentive for this career path.
What Can You Do with a Criminology Degree? Jobs for Criminology Majors
A criminology degree opens up diverse career paths across law enforcement, policy, research, and data analysis. With a degree in criminology, you can have a myriad of career options to pursue. Professionals can work in different environments such as prisons, police stations, courtrooms, universities, and federal government agencies
Jobs for Those With a Criminology Associate Degree
Associate-level criminology or criminal justice programs prepare graduates for entry-level roles in corrections, investigations, and support functions. Many graduates use these programs as stepping-stones toward bachelor’s degrees or entry-level positions in law enforcement. New opportunities also include support positions such as criminal data technician, evidence clerk, or background investigator, which combine administrative skills with applied criminology knowledge.
Jobs for Those With a Criminology Associate Degree
Associate-level criminology or criminal justice programs prepare graduates for entry-level roles in corrections, investigations, and support functions. Many graduates use these programs as stepping-stones toward bachelor’s degrees or entry-level positions in law enforcement. New opportunities also include support positions such as criminal data technician, evidence clerk, or background investigator, which combine administrative skills with applied criminology knowledge.
Example Associate-Level Roles
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Jury Consultant | $86,4304 |
| Probation Officer | $62,9655 |
| Private Investigator | $55,7266 |
| Correctional Officer | $54,0077 |
| Loss Prevention Officer | $52,2238 |
Jobs for Those With a Criminology Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s in criminology opens doors to investigative, analytical, and supervisory roles beyond entry-level policing and corrections. Employers include federal agencies, state and municipal police departments, and private organizations focused on risk and compliance. In addition to traditional jobs, graduates can pursue emerging interdisciplinary roles such as crime data analyst, intelligence officer, or policy researcher, combining quantitative analysis with social science expertise.
Professionals can also explore roles like forensic scientist or police detective, applying criminology principles to real-world investigations.
Example Bachelor-Level Roles
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Forensic Psychologist | $87,8779 |
| Forensic Scientist | $79,40810 |
| Clinical Social Worker | $94,15811 |
| Criminal Profiler | $38,20312 |
| Police Detective | $61,90513 |
Jobs for Those With a Criminology Master’s Degree
Completing a master’s in criminology positions you for leadership, academic research, and policy-level roles in the justice system. Students gain skills in advanced statistics, law, and criminal behavior science, enabling them to work as criminologists, policy analysts, consultants, or educators.
Graduates interested in further specialization can continue to doctoral study, contributing to academic research or public policy reform through think tanks and universities.
Example Master’s-Level Roles
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | $100,62614 |
| Forensic Scientist | $79,40810 |
| Criminologist | $81,17315 |
| Probation Officer | $62,9655 |
| Detective | $61,90513 |
Final Tips for Criminology Jobs
Landing a criminology job begins with internships, networking, and presentation of your professional skills. Internships come in handy for recent college grads and students. They allow individuals to gain practical skills and understand their expected roles before officially entering the workforce.
Ensure that you showcase your problem-solving and analytical skills through a professional portfolio. An excellent way to build your portfolio will be to conduct research on crimes in your local area, study famous criminology cases, and stay up to date on the news within the criminal justice field. If you find any new information to help law enforcement, it can attract employers to hire you.
Joining national organizations such as the American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) offers networking, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.^9 You can also pursue government internships through the FBI Honors Internship Program or the DOJ Pathways Program to gain real-world experience.16.17
Skills You’ll Need for a Career in Criminology
Successful criminologists combine analytical, ethical, and interpersonal strengths. Key skills include critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving. Technical proficiency in tools like SPSS or GIS mapping software helps professionals visualize crime data and make evidence-based recommendations.
Employers for Criminology Majors
Graduates with criminology degrees are typically employed by:
- Federal agencies (FBI, DEA, DHS, Secret Service)
- State and local law enforcement departments
- Research organizations and universities
- Nonprofit advocacy groups
- Private investigation and corporate security firms
Explore more criminal justice jobs to find related roles that align with your criminology training and interests.
Is Criminology a Good Career?
Criminology is a valuable field that typically evolves alongside technology and societal change. The rise of cyber crime, digital evidence, and global security challenges ensures ongoing demand for analytical thinkers who understand human behavior. For students interested in justice, data, and public impact, criminology offers meaningful, stable, and flexible career pathways.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
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2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm#tab-6
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm#tab-5
4 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Jury-Consultant-Salary#Yearly
5 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Probation-Officer-Salary
6 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Private-Investigator-Salary#Yearly
7 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Correctional-Officer-Salary
8 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Loss-Prevention-Officer-Salary#Yearly
9 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Forensic-Psychologist-Salary
10 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Forensic-Scientist-Salary
11 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Clinical-Social-Worker-Salary
12 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Criminal-Profiler-Salary#Yearly
13 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Detective-Salary
14 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Lawyer-Salary
15 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Criminology-Salary
16 https://fbijobs.gov/students-and-graduates
17 https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/pathways-programs/pathways-internship-programs/
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