Criminal Justice Salary: Low, Average, High By Region

Criminal Justice Salary…

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]alary ranges are dependent upon the type of work performed, as well as the location. Criminal justice jobs vary from judges and lawyers to private investigators. Pay scales in Bangor, Maine may be significantly different from income scales for the Los Angeles area. Following is a comparison of the largest population state against the lowest population state in each of the five regions in the United States.

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The Northwest

In Washington state, the criminal justice salary average wages are:

  • Judges – $101,310
  • Paralegals – $51,730
  • Police – $68,920
  • Animal Control – $41,840
  • Private Investigators – $70,510

In Wyoming, comparable salaries are:

  • Judges – $85,960
  • Paralegals – $40,910
  • Police – $51,090
  • Animal Control – $36,430
  • Private Investigators – $55,300


The Southwest

In California, the criminal justice salary average wages are:

  • Judges – $168,350
  • Paralegals – $58,570
  • Police – $84,320
  • Animal Control – $44,460
  • Private Investigators – $58,970

In New Mexico, comparable salaries are:

  • Judges – $53,610
  • Paralegals – $42,500
  • Police – $46,550
  • Animal Control – $27,640
  • Private Investigators – $47,010


The Midwest

In Illinois, the criminal justice salary average wages are:

  • Judges – $90,030
  • Paralegals – $51,630
  • Police – $66,570
  • Animal Control – $32,120
  • Private Investigators – $40,550

In North Dakota, comparable salaries are:

  • Judges –$124,850
  • Paralegals – $43,370
  • Police – $48,400


The South

In Florida, the criminal justice salary average wages are:

  • Judges – $129,740
  • Paralegals – $46,500
  • Police – $56,380
  • Animal Control – $35,350
  • Private Investigators – $43,980

In Arkansas, comparable salaries are:

  • Judges – hundred and $97,980
  • Paralegals – $38,290
  • Police – $36,790
  • Animal Control – $25,450
  • Private Investigators – $52,530


The Northeast

In New York, the criminal justice salary average wages are:

  • Judges – $129,410
  • Paralegals – $53,570
  • Police – $68,510
  • Animal Control – $33,350
  • Private Investigators – $52,430

In Vermont, comparable salaries are:

  • Judges – $56,520
  • Paralegals – $42,110
  • Police – $41,840
  • Animal Control – $23,830

As you can see, criminal justice salaries are varied even within the same region of the United States. The best option would be to check your local market, or the market where you want to work post-degree, and find out for yourself how much to expect when starting out, mid-career, and as you advance throughout your career. A simple cost-benefit analysis could be done to decide if getting one of these degrees is a good decision or not. However, education almost always has a positive return on investment.

Featured Pic for Criminal Justice Salary by: dandeluca