Manager training and postgraduate degrees will go a long way toward advancing in the highest-paying law enforcement careers of detective, captain, commander and police chief. As this is a highly competitive position, it is recommended that you continue your education through an advanced university degree (University of San Diego). 6. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): A DHS agency working here means you can work as a U.S. Border Patrol agent and enforce import and export laws. Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that federal law enforcement positions are the highest-paid law enforcement agencies: many men and women turn to law enforcement or the government when they leave the military. If you are in that boat, but you do not know which lane is your priority, you will be happy to know that the government has many enforcement positions available in several agencies. The federal jobs presented on the following pages are focused on law enforcement positions. Note that federal agencies have other options than the enforcement jobs discussed here. Agencies like the FBI or DEA, for example, are massive operations that require people with all sorts of skills – administrative, HR, legal, technical support, etc.
This may be of interest to candidates who do not meet the requirements of law enforcement work in this area, perhaps due to their age or physical limitations. Receive special job alerts, offers, and insider tips on how to make the most of your military experience in the civilian workforce. 9. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Many of the functions previously performed by the Department of the Treasury, Justice, Health and Human Services, Defense, FBI, Secret Service, GSA, Energy, Agriculture, Transportation, and the U.S. Coast Guard have been transferred to DHS. If you want to be the “government police force” (and by that we mean protecting our government buildings and staff), you may be interested in the Federal Protective Service. The Secret Service is a special criminal justice agency primarily tasked with protecting the Treasury and protecting the U.S. president. Intelligence officers typically have extensive prior experience with other law enforcement agencies and receive additional training at purpose-built facilities. The positions are highly competitive, with annual salaries ranging from $100,000 to $171,000.4 The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts high-profile investigations into cybercrime, terrorism, and threats to homeland security.
The organization has a variety of roles, ranging from office administrators and interns to special constables and investigators. Applicants must have at least a bachelor`s degree and relevant experience, although a master`s degree is preferred. Successful candidates also undergo additional training at special FBI academies. Depending on the position and experience, FBI agent salaries range from $39,000 to $118,000.3 The following list is taken from FederalJobs.net which states that “most agencies hold federal law enforcement positions in one capacity or another” and that there are more than 40 job series in the law enforcement category. During your job search, you may also want to consider the professions that directly support these positions. As mentioned earlier, there are key differences between local and state jobs and federal law enforcement jobs. Police officers are usually the first line of defense in law enforcement and are among the most public roles. There are several types of police officers, including local officials, state troops, deputy sheriffs, forest and game wardens, and special court officers. Duties include patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, providing first aid and investigating incidents. The average national wage is $32.50 per hour, or $67,600 per year.10 The above salary range does not include the specific adjustments that increase most federal wages. Local salary, which provides for salary adjustments based on location, is not included. A local paytable can be found here: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2018/general-schedule/.
The Chief of Police is the highest position in civil law enforcement. The chief of police is the highest-paid law enforcement position in the civilian sector, earning between $96,000 and $160,000 per year (in salary). Just below the chief is the deputy chief of police with a salary of up to $138,000 per year (in salary). Immigration and Customs (ICE) investigates international border-related crimes such as human trafficking, illegal immigration, and money laundering. Officers are responsible for investigating and supervising these crimes and typically have law enforcement experience with at least a bachelor`s degree. Those with a master`s degree need less experience for higher-paying GL-9 level positions. ICE agent salaries range from $29,300 to $76,600 per year.7 The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts high-profile investigations into cybercrime, terrorism, and threats to homeland security. The agency has a variety of roles, ranging from office clerks and trainees to special constables and investigators. Applicants must have at least a bachelor`s degree and relevant experience, although a master`s degree is preferred. Successful candidates are also trained at special FBI academies. Depending on the position and experience, FBI agents` salaries range from $39,000 to $118,000.3 Referees, mediators, and arbitrators can find work anywhere in the country. People who work in this field and who have a reputation for providing quality service to each of their clients can earn up to $64,000 per year on average.
The more experience a person gains, the more they will earn. Many people who work in this field often choose to open their own business and work for themselves instead of staying on a bargaining team. The criminal justice system offers several career opportunities in each of its three main areas of activity: well-paying law enforcement jobs, judicial and legal jobs, and correctional jobs. Law enforcement is a major employer for criminal justice graduates, from local police officers and investigators to federal agents specializing in areas such as cybercrime and homeland security. The judiciary relies not only on judges and lawyers, but also on a variety of other highly qualified legal staff, including court reporters, trainee lawyers and paralegals. Because prisons cannot function without qualified superiors, specialists, guards and consultants. The demand for FBI agents is high, just like any other type of law enforcement. There are FBI offices in every state, so it`s plausible that a person could find work relatively close to home. The average salary of an FBI agent with modest experience can earn at least $138,000 per year. A career as an FBI agent can be extremely rewarding, especially if you enjoy solving crimes and working to protect others and create a safe environment.
For those seeking a Juris Doctorate, lawyers and lawyers are often the highest paid employees of the criminal justice system, earning between $79,000 and $182,500 per year. As a lawyer, you are expected to provide competent advice to your clients based on your in-depth knowledge of the legal system. A Bachelor of Laws lasts four years, after which most students attend law for another three years.15 Arbitrators, mediators, and arbitrators act as negotiators between two or more parties to resolve various disputes. While a law degree may be required in some fields, most require only a bachelor`s degree in political science, social work, public policy or business management. Certifications and licenses can increase credibility, increase employment opportunities, and increase the chances of regular salary increases. The average annual salary for a first-level supervisor is approximately $74,000. In this type of career, the more experience a person has, the higher their earning potential. Front-line supervisors who are very good at what they do may find themselves for promotions and promotion opportunities that involve more responsibility and higher pay. Going back to school and getting a degree can open up management opportunities.
Today, more than ever, the U.S. justice system needs skilled law enforcement officers to help protect the innocent, keep the peace, and achieve the goals of justice. From lawyers and secret agents to forensic analysts and probation officers, there are many well-paying jobs in law enforcement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of the criminal justice system in 2019 was about $81,820.1 Forensic analysts help law enforcement agencies collect and analyze sensitive evidence such as fingerprints, human tissue, and ammunition samples.