Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET 25-1111.00 · SOC 25-1111
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher is a solid career choice. Median pay is $77k a year with +1.5% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 1,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach undergraduate courses in criminology or criminal procedure.
- →Lead classroom discussions on policing strategies and ethics.
- →Develop course materials covering corrections and rehabilitation systems.
- →Advise students pursuing careers in law enforcement agencies.
- →Conduct research on crime trends and publish findings.
Education & How to Get In
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to grow 1.5% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher make?
The median Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher earns $77k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 1,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher?
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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