Your degree doesn’t dictate your future salary, but it is a strong indicator.
After graduation, criminal justice graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $75,099, while the bottom 20% make closer to $35,381. The median grad salary is $51,547.
Criminal Justice graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is $35,275, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $45,612.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in criminal justice is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career
