The field of criminal justice is vast, with numerous employment opportunities. It offers several high paying career options to candidates with different educational backgrounds. As the need for maintaining security, deterring crime and rehabilitating offenders increases, people who understand the dynamics of criminal justice<\/a> can establish long term, lucrative careers.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in becoming a part of this fast-developing field, the following career paths could be your point of entry.<\/p>\n

Note: The statistical data in the following list has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, there are several other high paying careers in criminal justice. <\/em><\/p>\n

Lawyers<\/strong><\/p>\n

2018 Median Salary: $120,910 per year<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Job Growth: 6%<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lawyers act as advisors or advocates offering legal solutions for different business-related or personal problems. Their advice is based on their knowledge of laws, judicial rulings and research. They may specialize in a particular field of law, such as bankruptcy, intellectual property, civil law, criminal law, insurance, public interest or probate laws.<\/p>\n

To become a lawyer, candidates have to complete a 4 year-long undergraduate degree, followed by 3 years of law school. They also have to clear the subsequent bar and licensing exams to qualify for employment.<\/p>\n

Judges and Hearing Officers<\/strong><\/p>\n

2018 Median Salary: $117,190 per year<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Job Growth: 3%<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Judges and hearing officers are responsible for overseeing the legal process in courts. They conduct hearings, facilitate negotiations, solve legal issues and take legal decisions on a variety of matters. Judges interpret law to determine how a trial should proceed. They also ensure that hearings and trials are conducted in a fair and legal manner and all the involved parties are protected.<\/p>\n

To become a judge or a hearing officer, candidates will have to get a bachelor\u2019s degree, followed by a law degree. Federal administrative law judges are also required to pass an exam from the US Office of Personnel Management. Elected or appointed judges have to complete some form of training before they can be hired, in any state. This can be done through the Federal Judicial Center, the American Bar Association, the National Judicial College or the National Center for State Courts.<\/p>\n

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators <\/strong><\/p>\n

2018 Median Salary: $62,270 per year<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Job Growth: 8%<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators facilitate dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflict, outside of the court system. These professionals aim to clarify issues, concerns and needs of all parties involved in the process. They set up appointments for the parties involved to meet and discuss the issues. Arbitrators also interview claimants or witnesses to obtain all the possible information about the issue at hand. After they have all the information they need, they prepare the settlement agreement with the proper application of the relevant laws.<\/p>