Do you want to protect your community, support public safety, and build a meaningful career? Many criminal justice careers are open to candidates that don’t have a college degree, and especially entry-level law enforcement and public safety roles. While some advanced positions do require a bachelor’s degree, you can still begin your career in this field with a high school diploma, GED, or specialized training.
The criminal justice field is very broad and ranges from positions like police officers and correctional staff to court clerks and security professionals. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top criminal justice jobs you can get without a degree in 2025, which includes the average salaries, training requirements, and employment outlook.
What Is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the system of practices and institutions that uphold social control, deter and mitigate crime, and sanction those who violate the law. It includes three main components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Together, these agencies work to investigate crimes, enforce the law, protect communities, and ensure the fair application of justice.
In terms of criminal justice careers that don’t require a degree, these areas often include roles like policing, dispatch, security, and corrections. These systems work together to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law, although approaches and outcomes of each division can vary across states, agencies, and jurisdictions.
What Do Criminal Justice Jobs Pay in 2025?
Just like with any field, pay varies depending on the specific occupation, level of experience, and geographic area you are targeting.
Highlights by role:
- All criminal justice roles (national average across sectors): About $65,000 per year, or $31/hour.1
- Security & corrections (typically high-school diploma/GED required):
- Correctional officers and bailiffs: Median pay is $57,970/year nationally.2
- Law enforcement (academy-eligible roles):
- Police and detectives: Approx. $77,270/year nationally.3
Outlook insight:
Although the BLS projects a 7% decline in jobs for correctional officers and bailiffs from in the next decade, there are still around 31,900 expected openings annually, which is primarily due to retirements and turnover.2
Key Skills for Criminal Justice Jobs Without a Degree
To begin a criminal justice career without a degree, it’s important to focus on mastering the skills that employers value, which include strong communication, ethics, critical thinking, report writing, and emotional resilience. Criminal justice professionals today have to balance a combination of soft skills and technical competencies, which range from effective communication, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to report writing, evidence-handling, and stress management.
- Effective communication (written and oral): Clear report-writing and accurate documentation are critical for things like investigations and court proceedings. Strong verbal communication also helps to maintain public trust during interviews, testimony, and day-to-day interactions.
- Ethical judgment and integrity: Upholding codes of ethics will build credibility and prevent abuses of power. Consistent integrity is one of the most important qualities in law enforcement and corrections work.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: Criminal justice professionals have to make rapid and unbiased decisions in high-pressure environments. This skill ensures that there are fair, safe, and lawful responses to unpredictable scenarios.
- Report writing and investigative techniques: Structured documentation, trained observation, and controlling personal biases are all key to accurate evidence collection and case preparation.
- Resilience and stress management: These careers regularly involve exposure to emotionally charged and high-pressure events. Managing stress, maintaining composure in a crisis, and practicing self-care afterward are all essential for long-term success in the field.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Criminal Justice Job?
While some criminal justice roles will require applicants to have a college degree, many entry-level careers remain open to applicants that have only a high school diploma or GED, plus specialized training. Police officers, correctional officers, and dispatchers typically complete specialized academy programs that prepare them for the field, while more advanced careers, such as detectives, forensic scientists, and federal agents, will often require a bachelor’s degree.
- High school diploma/GED roles: Many entry-level positions, including correctional officers, security guards, bailiffs, and police dispatchers, only require a high school diploma or equivalent. These roles usually have a mandated completion of an employer- or state-sponsored training program.
- Academy and training programs: Law enforcement and corrections jobs will often require that you have a graduate certificate from a specialized academy. For example, police academy programs typically last 13–19 weeks and include instruction in firearms, law, ethics, and emergency response.
- Associate degree options: Some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree in criminal justice, especially for supervisory or specialized roles. An associate degree may also provide a hiring advantage for entry-level positions.
- Bachelor’s degree requirements: Advanced careers such as FBI special agents, forensic scientists, or federal drug enforcement officers generally require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, or a related field.
Key takeaway: A four-year degree is not always necessary to begin working in criminal justice. Training academies, certifications, and work experience can be enough to start a career, with the option of pursuing a degree later to move into higher-level or specialized roles.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
A traditional four-year degree isn’t the only path to pursuing a meaningful career in criminal justice. Rising tuition costs and student debt have led many people to seek alternative routes into the field.
Fortunately, many entry-level criminal justice jobs, such as correctional officers, bailiffs, police dispatchers, and security guards, do not require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. Instead, employers will often look for applicants who can complete academy training, state certifications, or employer-sponsored programs instead. These will provide the necessary practical skills needed on the job without the long expense (both financially and time-wise) of a degree.
Alternative education pathways, including vocational schools, certificate programs, and on-the-job training, can help you gain the core skills and credentials you will need to qualify for these roles. For many people, these options make it possible to enter the criminal justice system sooner, earn income earlier, and decide later whether pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree would be worth it for career advancement.
How to Get a Criminal Justice Job With a GED
It’s entirely possible to start your career in criminal justice if you just hae a high school diploma or GED, especially if you are going for entry-level law enforcement, corrections, and security roles. Employers often look for candidates who can complete training programs, meet physical and background requirements, and demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. Here are the typical steps:
- Look for accredited training academies. Training programs will prepare you with the skills and credentials that are required for law enforcement or corrections opportunities. Police academies generally last 13–19 weeks, while correctional officer training durations vary by the state you are in. These training will often include topics like legal procedures, defensive tactics, and emergency response.
- Enroll and complete the program. Police recruits often earn a starting salary during their academy training. Graduates of these programs are then certified to enter the workforce in their respective roles.
- Build a professional network. Connecting with classmates, instructors, and professionals in the field can open doors to job opportunities. Networking platforms like LinkedIn are valuable tools that allow you to join professional associations and keep in touch with your peers.
- Create a strong resume. It’s important to highlight any training, certifications, and relevant experience that you have compiled such as internships, volunteer work, or past jobs. Even without a degree, emphasizing skills like communication, integrity, and conflict resolution can make you stand out.
- Apply for entry-level positions. Common GED-eligible criminal justice roles include **correctional officers, police dispatchers, bailiffs, and security guards.** Entry-level experience can help you qualify for promotions or advanced training later on in your career.
Key takeaway: A GED definitely will not prevent you from building a career in criminal justice. With accredited training, networking, and persistence, you can absolutely secure an entry-level position and grow into higher-paying opportunities over time.
High-Paying Criminal Justice Jobs Without a College Degree
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Police & Detectives | $77,270³³ | +3% (as fast as average)³ |
| Correctional Officers & Bailiffs | $57,950² | –7% (decline)² |
| Private Detectives & Investigators | $52,370⁶ | +6% (faster than average)⁶ |
| Security Guards | $38,390⁷ | 0% (little or no change)⁷ |
| Legal Secretaries | $47,460⁸ | 0% (little or no change)⁸ |
Best Criminal Justice Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
Police Officers & Detectives
Police officers enforce the law, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and protect public safety. Entry to this job typically requires a high school diploma or GED plus the completion of a police academy program (typically takes 13–19 weeks to complete). Candidates must meet physical fitness, vision, and background requirements.
Correctional Officers & Bailiffs
Correctional officers oversee individuals that are in jails or prisons, ensuring the security and compliance with rules. They monitor inmate activities, conduct inspections, and respond to emergencies. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of a training academy, and passing background checks.
Private Detectives & Investigators
Private detectives and criminal investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and solve crimes. While many detectives are promoted from patrol officer roles, a bachelor’s degree is not always required and academy training and law enforcement experience can be enough.
Security Guards
Security guards will patrol properties, monitor surveillance systems, and respond to disturbances. They may work in retail, government buildings, hospitals, or corporate offices. Employers will typically require a high school diploma or GED, and some states mandate licensing or certification.
Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries provide administrative support by preparing documents, scheduling hearings, and managing case files. Most employers will require at least a high school diploma or GED plus office experience. Many legal secretaries can also gain additional training through certificate programs.
Companies That Offer Entry-Level Criminal Justice Jobs
Several government agencies and private organizations will hire applicants that don’t have a traditional four-year degree, as long as they meet the training and background that is required for the role they are applying to. Here are some of the most common employers:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): The DEA will hire entry-level support roles and special agents without a college degree, though agent positions do typically require a bachelor’s degree. Non-degree applicants can pursue administrative, investigative support, or diversion investigator roles. All applicants must pass a background investigation, drug test, and meet citizenship requirements.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): As part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, HSI employs criminal investigators, special agents, and forensic analysts. Some entry-level roles are open to applicants that only have a high school diploma in addition to academy or military training.
- National Investigative Training Academy (NITA): NITA offers training and certification in private investigations. Graduates can qualify for entry-level roles like a private investigator, surveillance investigator, and loss prevention officer.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): The BOP hires correctional officers that have a high school diploma or equivalent, in addition to necessary training for the role. Once they are hired, BOP officers need to complete a three-week introduction to correctional techniques program.
- National Park Service (NPS): The NPS employs law enforcement park rangers to protect our federal lands, enforce all park regulations, and provide public safety services. Entry to these roles requires the completion of a seasonal law enforcement training program (SLETP).
Where to Find Criminal Justice Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
If you’re ready to start your career in criminal justice without having a college degree, there are several trusted job platforms and resources that can connect you with employers that are currently hiring for entry-level roles.
- Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest job boards in the country and regularly posts thousands of job openings for criminal justice careers. These roles include things like security guards, correctional officers, and dispatchers. Job seekers can filter the results that populate by education requirements and location. Employee reviews on Indeed will also provide insight into the company culture and working conditions.
- USAJOBS: USAJOBS is the official employment site for the federal government. It lists criminal justice roles across agencies like the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Bureau of Prisons. Applicants can create a profile, upload their resume, and apply directly to these federal agencies.
- Criminal Justice Profiles: This site offers resources for exploring different criminal justice career paths, which include positions like private investigators, probation officers, and forensic technicians. It also provides pertinent information on training programs and certifications that can help you qualify for these jobs.
Consider a Criminal Justice Degree Later in Your Career
Even though many entry-level criminal justice jobs only require a high school diploma, GED, or training academy, earning a degree later in your career can still open doors to higher-level positions and specialized fields later on.
- Career advancement: Roles such as FBI special agents, forensic scientists, probation officers, and federal investigators typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field.
- Professional development: A degree program will help you build advanced skills in areas like criminal law, forensic science, and public policy, which can set you apart from other candidates.
- Flexibility with online programs: Many universities now offer online associate and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, which allows you to continue working while you are studying.
- Long-term earning potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who have a bachelor’s degree earn about $39,000 more per year on average than people who have only a high school diploma.4
Key takeaway: While you don’t need a degree to start working in criminal justice, pursuing one later can expand your career options, boost your earning potential, and help you transition into more specialized or leadership roles down the line.
Criminal Justice Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Can I get a job in criminal justice without a degree?
Yes, you absolutely can. Many entry-level criminal justice careers, such as correctional officers, police dispatcher, bailiffs, and security guards, only require a high school diploma or GED. Academy programs and certifications are typically more important than a college degree when you are starting out in these types of positions.
Is it hard to get a job in criminal justice?
It can be competitive depending on the role and location you are going for. Most jobs will require you to pass a background check, meet physical fitness standards, and complete specialized training in your prospective field. Applicants that have strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and ethical decision-making skills will often stand out in these roles.
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How much do criminal justice professionals earn?
Earnings in the criminal justice profession will vary by role. As of 2025, the average salary for criminal justice jobs across the U.S. is about $65,000 per year.1 Median salaries can vary pretty significantly depending on the role you have. For example, correctional officers and bailiffs earn a median pay of $57,970 per year, while police and detectives make $77,270 per year.2-3
Is criminal justice a good career?
Yes, it absolutely is. Criminal justice can be an incredibly rewarding field for people who want to protect communities, uphold the law, and work in public service. While some roles face slow projected job growth over the next decade, steady turnover creates thousands of openings each year, and advancement opportunities increase for those who decide to pursue a higher education degree down the line.
References
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Criminal-Justice-Salary
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
- https://dol.ny.gov/why-go-school
- https://www.indeed.com/career/border-patrol-agent/salaries
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm
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