The average salary for a criminologist in the United States is $71,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at around $45,000, while experienced criminologists can earn over $100,000 annually. Salary varies based on education, location, and whether the role is in government, academia, or private research.
What Is Criminology and Why Do Salaries Vary?
Criminology is the study of criminal behavior, law enforcement systems, and the social response to crime. Criminologists analyze data to help reduce crime, guide policy, and understand why crimes happen. The field intersects with sociology, psychology, and law.
Salaries vary based on:
- Job title (e.g., forensic psychologist vs. policy analyst)
- Education level (bachelor’s degree vs. master’s or PhD)
- Work sector (government agencies, universities, private institutions)
- Location (urban vs. rural, U.S. vs. global)
Criminologists may work with police departments, universities, or homeland security. Others specialize in areas like cybercrime, forensic science, or urban planning.
Criminology Salary Overview in 2025
Criminologists in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $71,000. Salaries depend on experience, education, and job setting. The median salary for early-career professionals is around $60,000, while senior experts can earn over $100,000.
Criminology Salary Data
| Role/Region | Annual Salary (USD) | Monthly Pay (USD) | Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminologist (USA, Avg.) | $55,224 | $4,602 | $39.03 |
| Early Career Criminologist | $60,000 | $5,000 | – |
| Mid-Career Criminologist | $57,500 | $4,792 | – |
| Experienced Criminologist | $83,000 | $6,917 | – |
| Criminology Professor (USA) | $114,792 | $9,566 | $55.19 |
| Criminal Justice Social Worker | $76,266 | $6,355 | $36.67 |
| Criminal Justice Policy Analyst | $65,006 | $5,417 | $31.25 |
This table shows how salaries shift by role and region. U.S. criminology professors earn the most.
Criminology Salaries by Job Title
Different criminology careers come with different salaries. Specialized roles tend to earn more than generalists.
Examples:
- Criminology Professor: $114,792
- Criminal Justice Social Worker: $76,266
- Crime Analyst: Around $60,000
- Forensic Psychologist: $85,000 to $100,000
- FBI Agent with a criminology background: $78,000 to $120,000
Job title affects salary more than years of experience. Positions requiring a master’s degree or PhD often lead to higher pay. For example, forensic psychologists usually hold advanced degrees and work on criminal cases, often analyzing human behavior in legal settings.
Education Level and Salary in Criminology
A higher degree directly increases your criminology salary. Most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, or psychology. However, higher roles often demand advanced education.
Education Levels & Impact:
- Bachelor’s degree: Entry-level roles like probation officer or crime analyst
- Master’s degree: Mid-level policy or research positions
- PhD or JD (law school): Professorships, court consultants, criminal lawyers
For instance:
- A forensic science technician with a bachelor’s earns about $63,740 (BLS, 2023)
- A criminology professor with a PhD can earn over $110,000
Pursuing additional training, like certifications in computer science or data analytics, also boosts salary potential in modern roles like cybercrime investigation.
Salary by Location: U.S. States and International Pay
Location is one of the biggest factors in criminology salary. Urban areas and certain states offer significantly higher wages due to higher crime rates, cost of living, or demand for specialists.
Top U.S. States by Criminologist Salary:
- California: $91,400
- New York: $88,700
- Texas: $79,200
- Illinois: $75,800
- Florida: $73,100
Global Comparisons:
- India: Criminologist salaries range from $4,200 to $6,000 annually
- UK: Average criminologist earns £30,000–£45,000
- Canada: Median salary is CAD 70,000 ($52,000 USD)
Higher salaries are often linked to working with federal government agencies or high-risk areas. For example, an FBI agent in Washington, D.C. earns significantly more than a local crime analyst in a rural town.
Criminology Career Growth and Salary Outlook
The criminology job market is growing, with steady demand for experts in behavioral analysis and digital crime. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% increase in criminal justice and forensic roles by 2032.
Key Growth Areas:
- Cybercrime and digital forensics
- Policy analysis for government agencies
- Criminal justice system reform
- Urban security and crime prevention research
Forensic scientists, private investigators, and probation officers are in demand, particularly as society focuses more on data-driven policing and evidence-based sentencing. Roles tied to public safety and apprehending criminals remain secure and growing.
How to Increase Your Criminology Salary
You can increase your criminology salary by gaining experience, earning advanced degrees, and targeting high-paying roles.
Tips to Boost Income:
- Pursue a master’s or PhD in criminology, psychology, or political science
- Get certified in digital forensics, statistics, or criminal profiling
- Apply to federal agencies like the FBI or Homeland Security
- Consider teaching at universities or publishing research
- Network with professionals in law and criminal justice
Also, choose job titles with higher ceilings. For example, policy analysts in Washington, D.C. or criminology researchers in major universities earn more than local field officers.
Common Questions About Criminology
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Can criminologists work remotely?
Yes. Crime analysts and policy researchers often work remotely, using databases and digital tools instead of visiting crime scenes.
What are the least-known specializations in criminology?
Wildlife crime analysts and cybercrime prevention experts are growing fields requiring specific training and interdisciplinary skills.
How does criminology impact urban planning?
Criminologists guide urban planning by studying crime data and advising on lighting, surveillance, and neighborhood layouts to reduce theft and violence.
Are there any emerging technologies revolutionizing criminology?
Yes. AI, big data, and predictive analytics help criminologists identify suspects and trends faster than ever before.
Final Thoughts: Is a Career in Criminology Worth It?
Yes, criminology is a rewarding career with long-term growth potential. The profession blends law, psychology, and research to improve public safety and help communities.
If you’re interested in criminal behavior, the justice system, or social science, criminology offers many paths—from becoming a forensic psychologist to a professor or FBI agent. With the right degree, training, and job experience, you can build a stable and impactful career in this field.
Key Takeaway:
The average salary for a criminologist is $71,000, but roles, education, and location significantly affect earnings. Choose specialized fields, invest in further education, and consider working in high-paying areas or government roles to maximize your income.
