Whether you have always enjoyed the thought of solving crimes and contributing to your community or if you have obtained a criminal justice degree and you are seeking work, knowing the best locations to find the job you have in mind can help. Choosing the right state for the job in criminal justice you desire depends on whether you are seeking a high employment rate or a higher annual salary. Finding a job in criminal justice also depends on your degree and the line of work you are interested in. If you are looking for the Top States for Jobs in Criminal Justice, then this article is for you and will help you get started.
There are many jobs and career paths available once you have obtained a criminal justice degree of your own. Whether you are interested in pursuing forensics or if you are thinking of working as a FBI special agent, having a degree is essential to move forward in criminal justice.
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Other careers that can be obtained with a degree in criminal justice include becoming a police officer, detective, correctional officer, judge or even a private investigator. Any careers that surround the law, solving crimes and investigating individuals can be obtained with the proper degree and experience.
1. North Carolina
North Carolina is considered to have the highest concentration of criminal justice throughout the US, with .43 employed in a criminal justice position out of every 1000 citizens. The average mean wage for workers in criminal justice in North Carolina is $54,490 annually.
2. New York
New York is another state that has a better future outlook of available positions in criminal justice. New York hires .15 out of every 1000 individuals to work in a criminal justice career. Individuals who are employed in the criminal justice system in New York earn an average annual salary of $65,000 depending the position. Taking a job in criminal justice in New York requires the desire to work in a bustling city and a variety of neighborhoods on a regular basis.
3. California
California has a high level of employment for those pursuing a career in criminal justice. The state employs approximately .08 out of every thousand people to work in criminal justice. The annual mean wage for those working in criminal justice while living in California is $79,330.
4. Ohio
Ohio provides an array of job and career options when it comes to working in criminal justice. The average individual working in criminal justice in Ohio receives an annual wage of $64,820. Ohio also has a .21 per 1000 jobs in criminal justice, making it an ideal state to get your start in a wide variety of areas.
5. Florida
Florida residents who work in criminal justice earn an average of $68,400 annually with an employment rate of .13 per 1000 individuals seeking a job or career in the industry. Additionally, Fort Lauderdale is one of the highest paying metropolitan areas for those who work in criminal justice. Those who work in Fort Lauderdale in a criminal justice position earn approximately $72,150 annually.
6. New Jersey
New Jersey is considered to be one of the top paying states for all criminal justice related careers and jobs. Each year, individuals with a job in criminal justice living in New Jersey earn an average of $84,470. Although the salary is desirable, there are less available jobs in the criminal justice sector in New Jersey. Working in Newark is ideal if you are seeking a high salary. Those who obtain positions in Newark earn an average salary of $89,330.
7. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is also known as one of the highest paying states for criminal justice positions. Individuals working in criminal justice in the state of Pennsylvania earn an average salary of $79,690, although there are less available positions to obtain. Working in the metropolitan area of Philadelphia can earn you an average annual salary of $80,810.
8. Virginia
Virginia residents earn an annual mean wage of $71,270, making it the third top paying state for criminal justice occupations. The employment per 1000 residents in Virginia is .09 for those seeking a career in criminal justice.
9. Maryland
Maryland is another state that is high-paying, although the job outlook may not be as promising as other states such as Ohio, New York or California. Maryland is much smaller, so finding a position in criminal justice may be more challenging than with a larger metropolitan. However, individuals who are working in criminal justice in Maryland earn an average salary of $70,290 annually. Working in Washington DC is ideal in criminal justice, with workers earning approximately $82,790 annually.
10. Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is currently the top paying metropolitan area for those who are working in criminal justice. The average annual mean wage for individuals working in criminal justice in New Orleans is $96,140.
Why Finding the Right State for a Job in Criminal Justice is Important
Finding the right location to live in when you are seeking a position in criminal justice is essential when you are looking for stability or a job that can ultimately lead to a lifelong career. Conducting an adequate amount of research on each state you are interested in moving to for work is necessary to compare your options and to way the pros and cons of each. Considering your family and the income you are hoping for with a position in criminal justice will also help you to make a decision on the state that is right for your job search.
Obtaining a job in criminal justice is a way to give back to your surrounding community while helping to reduce the amount of crime and violence there is on the streets in your city and state. Working in criminal justice once you have obtained a criminal justice degree is possible by working in facilities, training as an intern and gaining experience in various local relevant positions.
Related:
JOBS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OR AS A FEDERAL AGENT
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE?
