Criminal Justice Associate Degrees

Usually employed at jails and prisons, correctional officers (COs) oversee the transport and activity of arrested and/or incarcerated people. COs enforce rules, perform safety inspections, and follow designated procedures. Bailiffs, sometimes called marshals or court officers, work in courthouses to enforce order and deliver important documents. This career guide contains additional information on how to become a bailiff.

Median Annual Salary: $44,400

Projected Growth Rate (2018-28): -7%

Tasked with identifying and intervening in rule-breaking and illegal activity, security guards and gaming surveillance officers keep watch over an area by means of patrol and/or video surveillance. Security guards usually perform security checks to ensure that no trespassers, vandals, thieves, or otherwise destructive individuals enter an area. When necessary, security guards also assist in emergencies, remove or detain rule violators, and report incidents. This guide offers additional information on security guard careers

Gaming surveillance officers watch gamblers at casinos, ensuring that players obey casino rules and play fair. Surveillance officers typically use audio and video surveillance equipment to monitor multiple areas.

Median Annual Salary: $28,530

Projected Growth Rate (2018-28): 4%

Private detectives and investigators collect information to help solve crimes, document dishonest activity, or find missing persons. Lacking any special legal authority, private detectives and investigators must conduct their investigations without breaking any laws themselves.

These professionals often watch, photograph, and follow persons of interest, recording evidence of incriminating behavior. Detectives and investigators may also conduct various kinds of research, such as interviewing relevant persons. This guide includes information on how to become a private detective.

Median Annual Salary: $50,090

Projected Growth Rate (2018-28): 8%

Tasked with protecting public safety through firefighting and medical emergency response, firefighters actively prevent or lessen the destruction of people, property, and the environment by fire and other dangers. Firefighters fill out incident reports, maintain emergency vehicles and equipment, and hone skills and strength for firefighting.

Firefighters may specialize in areas such as hazardous materials clean-up, wildlands firefighting, or arson and fire investigation. Firefighters also participate in community education programming related to fire safety.

Median Annual Salary: $49,620

Projected Growth Rate (2018-28): 5%

These professionals work to prevent and solve various crimes against people and property. Police officers patrol assigned areas, respond to emergencies, and enforce traffic laws. Other duties may include arresting, handcuffing, and transporting suspects in police vehicles. This career guide provides guidance on how to become a police officer. Like police officers, detectives may perform surveillance, collect crime scene evidence, and appear in court when necessary.

Median Annual Salary: $63,380

Projected Growth Rate (2018-28): 5%