Despite the many ways in which society is evolving, vocations in law and criminology remain vital. Hourly pay for criminologists, forensic criminologist salaries, and the path to becoming a criminologist are all topics covered in this article.
Criminologist Salary Per Hour
The field of criminology seeks to understand criminal behavior by analyzing social groupings and society as a whole. They focus on how governmental policy, social institutions, economics, culture, and religion affect various demographics. Their research is useful for policymakers, school leaders, and teachers in their search for answers to complex societal issues, including poverty, violence, and crime.
Criminologist Salary
Workers at the American Society of Criminology make an average of $32–$41 per hour. A person’s income could vary greatly depending on their position, department, location, and other personal characteristics, as well as their level of education and experience. In comparison to other forensic professions, criminology pays a median yearly salary of $74,738.
According to the BLS, forensic science technicians in the United States made an average of $64,890. Investigators and private detectives can expect an annual salary of $60,100. On the other hand, criminologists made $89,300 a year less than police detectives and criminal investigators.
Criminologist Education Requirements
As an undergraduate major, criminology draws from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, politics, and law enforcement. Topics covered by criminology majors include statistical analysis, data science, public policy, constitutional law, abnormal psychology, and criminal analysis.
If you are looking for a job or want to graduate school, gaining some volunteer or internship experience at a social service agency or police department will assist. Deakin University reports that entry-level positions in criminal justice agencies, victim support services, policy think tanks and offender reintegration are possible with a bachelor’s degree in criminology.
The usual route to becoming a criminologist in the police force is to get a master’s degree in sociology, specializing in criminology. If you want to teach criminology at the university level or head your own research and development lab, you’ll need a doctorate in sociology. Crime mapping, radicalization and terrorism, hate crimes, serial killers, domestic violence, and predictors of violent assault are some of the themes you may anticipate studying extensively in both graduate degrees.
Criminology Industry
Contrary to popular belief, a criminologist’s work is unlike what you see in crime dramas. Unless they have a supplementary forensics degree, which is highly unusual, criminologists will not search crime scenes for evidence of blood splatter. Still, it could be unsettling for a researcher to read police reports and case files that include gruesome images. U.S. News and World Report recommends that college students think about their mental health and whether they can handle reading about horrific crimes and the victims’ tales before choosing a criminology degree.
Years of Experience
According to SalaryExpert, criminologists start off making an average of $53,451 a year for the first three years of their careers. By the eighth year, the average wage has increased to $92,304. College teaching positions typically pay an average of $75,610 per year for experienced criminologists who possess a Ph.D. and a robust research agenda.
Forensic Criminologist Salary
The national average salary for a forensic criminologist in the US is $61,156 per year as of December 20, 2023. In case you need a basic wage calculation, that amounts to around $29.40 per hour. You can think of this as $1,176 per week or $5,096 per month.
Salary ranges for forensic criminologists in the US range from $54,000 (25th percentile) to $69,000 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) bringing in $87,500 per year.
With a salary range of up to $15,000, forensic criminologists have a lot of room to grow professionally and financially, depending on factors including experience, education, and geographic region. At all times, ZipRecruiter searches its database of millions of active jobs posted locally around the United States to determine the most accurate yearly salary range for forensic criminologist positions.
Which Cities Have the Highest Salaries for Forensic Criminologists?
We’ve done the research and found 10 places where forensic criminologists may expect to earn more than the national average. Sunnyvale and Livermore, California, followed closely by Santa Cruz, California, at the top of the list. Santa Cruz, California, is $14,089 (23.0% more than the $61,156 national average) and Livermore, California, is $12,972 (21.2%) higher than the national average.
Opportunities for economic progress as a forensic criminologist seem to be exceptionally lucrative, with average incomes in these 10 cities being higher than the national average. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the average pay for these top ten cities is 7% lower in Hillsboro, OR, than in Santa Cruz, CA.
This further emphasizes the limited opportunities for salary advancement. When weighing potential locations and salaries for a forensic criminologist position, one important consideration should be the likelihood of a reduced cost of living.
Job Description of a Forensic Criminologist
Societal trends and factors that contribute to criminal conduct and its effects on victims are the primary research foci of forensic criminologists. They are also involved in determining how effective certain parts of the criminal justice system are. The public often confuses forensic criminologists with crime scene investigators, but the two professions are quite distinct.
All tiers of the government’s judicial system, jails, and police departments are under their scrutiny. To make sure the criminal justice system is working as it should, this study helps educate lawmakers as they think about new laws and regulations. Juvenile offenders are just one example of a subset of the criminal population that forensic criminologists might study.
What You Need to Know to Be a Forensic Criminologist
Prospective forensic criminologists are required to have appropriate job experience and a clean criminal record before further consideration is given. The next requirement for entry-level positions is a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or criminology.
Public health, law, neurology, computer forensics, and criminal justice history are some of the recommended courses for these programs. The majority of research positions typically call for a doctorate. As with any forensic profession, forensic criminologists must hone their research and analytical abilities to succeed in their field.
After all, a forensic criminologist’s main responsibility is to compile studies on criminal behavior and crime.
How to Become a Criminologist
Different criminologists have different areas of expertise; some study violent and robbery crimes committed on the street, while others study organized crime, white-collar crimes, or terrorist acts. Some focus on forensic science or juvenile crime. Modern statistical techniques and computer models are frequently employed by criminologists in their work.
Their Daily Responsibilities Encompass a Variety of Tasks, Including:
- Studying the habits of offenders
- Studying, using statistical analysis, the environmental variables that cause crime
- Analyzing criminal records and noticing trends in crime surveys
- Conducting research on pertinent criminology subjects, writing up findings, and making recommendations for policy and legislation
- Working together with law enforcement to detect and decrease criminal activity
- Analysis of rehabilitation program efficacy and suggestion formulation
Process to Follow if You Want to Study Criminology
These are the processes to follow if you want to study criminology:
#1. Obtain Appropriate Credentials
A degree in forensic science, sociology, psychology, or criminology is necessary to enter the field of criminology. Given the intense competition in the area, the majority of criminologists also hold a master’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or criminal justice. Get some real-world experience through internships, job shadowing, and volunteer work while you’re in school. Possibilities for future research or specialization in criminology might also be explored in this way.
#2. Acquire Essential Abilities
A degree in criminology or a closely related field can help you comprehend the individual and societal components of criminal behavior. In addition to honing your research, writing, information technology, and time management chops, a degree in this area teaches you how to:
- Assess the data
- Decide on moral matters
- Generate rational arguments
- Resolve issues
- Critical thinking skills
- Data collection analysis
- Interpretation report writing
#3. Work Your Way up the Ladder
A background in criminal justice is an asset, along with academic qualifications. Before seeking employment as full-time criminologists, many criminologists start their careers as research assistants. Before specializing in criminology, many have backgrounds as law enforcement, probation, or corrections personnel.
#4. Be a Member of the British Criminology Society
Academics and professionals in the field of criminal behavior, crime, and the criminal justice system are the target audience for the British Society of Criminology (BSC), which seeks to promote their interests and knowledge in this area.
The subject of criminology is highly competitive, therefore being a member of the BSC is a great way to stand out to potential employers while also expanding your professional network.
Alternatively, you might try your luck with the Government Social Research Fast Stream program. This government analytical role conducts studies on human behavior and social issues to help policymakers better grasp the challenges faced by various social groups and individuals.
What Does a Criminologist Do?
Through the use of quantitative and qualitative data, the science of criminology aims to comprehend and reduce criminal behavior. The field of criminology works closely with various groups to provide politicians and law enforcement with advice on proactive policing strategies.
What is the highest pay for Criminologists?
The field of criminology encompasses a wide range of occupations, from forensic science workers to judges. If you’re interested in criminology, there are several different avenues you might follow to obtain rewarding employment. At the highest point of the criminology food chain, you can make $128,000 a year.
Do criminologists make good money?
The income of a criminologist may be enough, but it may not be attractive if compared to other professions. By statistics given by the US Bureau of Labor Services.
Are criminologists in high demand?
There will be numerous opportunities for criminologists to work in future due to the high demand for tr services.
How long is a criminology degree?
It takes four years for a full-time student to get a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology.
Do criminologists work for the FBI?
Some of the places you might find a criminologist operating are at police departments, courts, and forensic science labs. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, or FBI, agents, parole officers, and anybody else fighting crime can benefit greatly from their services.
What is the lowest pay for Criminologists?
Between $33,883 to $306,425 a year, criminologists in the US earn an average salary of $79,121.
- CRIMINOLOGIST SALARY: What Is The Annual Income Of A Criminologist?
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- BACHELORS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Everything You Should Know
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