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Criminologist Salary
Criminologists enjoy a challenging career that involves analyzing criminal behavior, discover who exhibits this kind of behavior and why they engage in it. They also assess the various methods that criminals use. A criminologist salary is competitive with other careers and is classified under social scientists by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Description
When analyzing criminal behavior, these professionals have a tedious task that involves gathering, organizing and writing reports regards various crimes. Their work is essential in creating crime statistics that police and other law enforcement agencies can use. They also help to create criminal profiles, put statistics into an easy to understand format and create crime prevention strategies. Their work environment can be with a federal law enforcement agency, such as the FBI, working as an agent or researcher. Many work as police officers, with security companies, in prisons, with United States customs or as a researcher. Others may use their experience and training to teach at a university in a criminal justice program. Criminologists may also specialize in a certain area of law enforcement.
Criminologist Salary
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average criminologist salary was $77,890 and an hourly rate of $37.45 in 2010. Those earning in the 90th percentile received at or above $115,720 annually, while those in the 10th percentile earned at or below $43,430 per year. The professional, scientific and technical services industry paid the highest mean yearly rate of $93,830 in 2010. Those working in the federal executive branch received the fifth highest at $83,170 per year. Virginia was the highest paying state at $96,490 per year, with the District of Columbia in the second slot at $87,950 annually in the same year.
When you consider the challenging work, a criminologist salary and the difference you will be making, this is a smart career choice. You can enter a criminal justice program at most universities, getting a solid education in law enforcement tasks and methods. You will also want to get training in social science and psychology, which are key elements in analyzing criminal behavior.
Your first position will most likely be in criminal data collection, organization and reporting. The criminologist salary increases as you gain experience, enter various specialties and are promoted. From an entry level position, your training may continue if you choose to enter the field as a medical examiner or you choose to engage more in criminal profiling. This is an excellent career choice for someone who is changing careers, has prior experience in law enforcement or wants a complete change of pace. This work requires keen attention to detail, curiosity, organizational and strong communication skills. You also must have a strong ability to analyze data and draw conclusions from it. With the advantages of a criminologist salary, the various lines of work you can enter and the challenge, you will have found a strong career to get involved in. If you want to enter this career, start looking for schools today. You will be glad that you did.
