As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Criminal Justice Specialist in the United States is $40,321 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Criminal Justice Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Criminal Justice Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Criminal Justice Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Criminal Justice Specialist | $39,136 |
| Intermediate Level Criminal Justice Specialist | $40,841 |
| Senior Level Criminal Justice Specialist | $41,574 |
| Specialist Level Criminal Justice Specialist | $41,757 |
| Expert Level Criminal Justice Specialist | $41,849 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Criminal Justice Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 9.33% |
| Record Keeping | 1.65% |
| Records Management System | 1.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Management
|
$61,288 |
52%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$49,191 |
22%
|
|
Project Management
|
$48,385 |
20%
|
|
Preventative Maintenance
|
$48,385 |
20%
|
|
Analysis
|
$45,563 |
13%
|
|
Leadership
|
$44,756 |
11%
|
For Criminal Justice Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Criminal Justice Specialist positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Criminal Justice Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $44,353 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $44,353 | $21.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Criminal Justice Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Criminal Justice Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,705 in 2023 to around $36,249 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Criminal Justice Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $36,705 |
| 2024 | $36,653 |
| 2025 | $36,249 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Criminal Justice Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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