Criminal justice salary is dependent upon several factors and in many government positions, the GS payscale is utilized which is a sliding scale consisting of 15 pay grades, with 10 steps within each pay grade. The salary data below was gathered using the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in conjunction with information gathered directly from employing agencies, and in some cases from secondary sources such as payscale.com. Keep in mind that those who work and live in urban areas are much more likely to start at higher salaries than those in rural areas.
| Police Officer Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$30,070 - 38,850 |
| Mid Career Level |
$38,850 - 64,940 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$79,680 + |
| Police Detective Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$46,000 - 59,320 |
| Mid Career Level |
$59,320 - 92,700 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$114,300 + |
| Fish & Game Warden Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$30,400 - 37,500 |
| Mid Career Level |
$37,500 - 61,290 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$81,710 + |
| FBI Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| National Average |
$89,930 |
*The FBI uses the GS scale which can vary greatly depending upon education & experience.
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| US Customs & Border Patrol Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$37,631 - 48,917 |
| Mid Career Level |
$48,917 - 54,028 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$54,028 - 78,355 |
*estimates using 2010 GS Payscale
| Coast Guard Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| National Average |
$48,000 - 87,795 |
*data from Payscale.com
| Air Marshal Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$42,450 - 59,495 |
| Mid Career Level |
$48,916 - 60,352 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$67,393 - 80,889 |
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| Forensic Science Technician |
Annual Average Salary |
| National Average |
$52,960 - 80,330 |
| Forensic Psychologist Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$42,450 - 53,500 |
| Mid Career Level |
$45,300 - 77,750 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$102,730 + |
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| Salary for Paralegal |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$29,800 - 36,760 |
| Mid Career Level |
$46,980 - 60,620 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$75,700 + |
Explore Paralegal Degrees & Careers
| Correctional Officer Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$25,300 - 29,660 |
| Mid Career Level |
$29,660 - 51,000 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$64,110 + |
| Probation Officer Salary |
Annual Average Salary |
| Entry Level |
$29,490 - 35,990 |
| Mid Career Level |
$35,990 - 60,430 |
| Senior - Seasoned Level |
$78,210 + |
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*Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale.com
