Highest Paying Criminal Justice careers

As criminals continue to get smarter and more dangerous, the criminal justice system must try to stay one step ahead. With today’s advanced technology, the threat of harm at both the local and national level has increased.

Careers in the criminal justice field pay well, which is one of the main reasons it's one of the most popular online degrees. The mean annual wage for criminal justice professionals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Following are the five highest-paying jobs in the criminal justice field, along with their respective median yearly salaries:

1. FBI Agent: $114, 000

Generally, to qualify for a career with the FBI, you must hold a degree in criminal justice and have several years of experience in law enforcement. Candidates will also undergo an in-depth background check, along with physical and psychological assessments before being admitted to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.

2. Intelligence Analyst: $82, 200

As a part of the FBI, intelligence analysts fall into a more detailed role. They collect and analyze data, and report on specific areas of security. Using their vast resources, they evaluate potential security risks and systematically determine ways to resolve them effectively.

3. Security Manager: $68, 699

Security managers can work in a wide range of industries, from hotels to banks to the local zoo. They’re generally in charge of the overall security plan of the organization and may manage other security personnel as well.

4. Detective/Criminal Investigator: $64, 900

The scope of responsibilities for a detective is wide and varied. From wiretaps to fingerprints, warrants to arrests, a criminal investigator does whatever necessary, within the limits of the law, to put the bad guys behind bars.

5. Fraud Investigator: $61, 500

Fraud investigators may work in the private or public sectors. Their field of investigation often focuses on monetary fraud having to do with credit card theft, insurance claims or other breaches of security.