Criminal Justice Careers and Outlook in NC
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Sep 18, 2024
North Carolina has a number of criminal justice organizations that are charged with maintaining social order, mitigating crime, and ensuring that citizens are safe from potential wrongdoers. These organizations work collectively to create a safe environment in which to live, work, and raise a family. They offer promising career opportunities as well.
Individuals interested in pursuing a criminal justice career in North Carolina can choose from a range of options. For those who have a passion for upholding the law or rehabilitating individuals who have broken the law, North Carolina can be an ideal place to launch a thriving career, and earning a criminal justice degree can be an excellent first step.
An Overview of Criminal Justice Careers in North Carolina
North Carolina has seen its population explode in recent years, with people flocking to the state to pursue education, find employment, or simply enjoy the state’s natural environment. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projects that North Carolina’s population will surpass 11.7 million people by 2030, making it the seventh most populous state in the country.
With this population growth, there is an increase in criminal justice career options. Data from Lightcast predicts there will be a 3.7% growth in criminal justice careers in North Carolina between 2024 and 2028.
Reasons to Seek a Criminal Justice Career in North Carolina
North Carolina is a highly advantageous state for anyone seeking to start a career in criminal justice. Here are a few reasons for this:
- North Carolina’s criminal justice system offers diverse employment opportunities, with positions that range from parole and probation officer to law enforcement educator.
- The projected population growth means that criminal justice systems around the state are likely to continue growing in the years to come.
- Academic institutions in the state offer excellent opportunities to develop skills and professionalism.
Sectors forCriminal Justice Careers in North Carolina
Those interested in working in criminal justice will find there are several areas to consider in North Carolina. Examples include the following:
Law Enforcement
For those who gravitate toward active fieldwork, the state offers ample opportunities, including jobs with local police departments, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and county sheriff’s offices. From traffic officers to K-9 specialists, law enforcement professionals in North Carolina hold a wide range of types of jobs.
Corrections
North Carolina has a number of prisons and correctional facilities, including 10 juvenile-specific facilities alone. The roles of parole officer and probation officer are two common corrections jobs.
Homeland Security
Homeland security roles involve preparing the state and its citizens for potential disasters, including terrorist threats. Opportunities in this sector include roles within state agencies such as the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency, as well as field offices of federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Security and Private Investigation
Beyond government roles, North Carolina also offers numerous private sector opportunities in the field. These criminal justice careers include security management, private investigation, corporate security, loss prevention, and risk assessment roles.
Examples of Criminal Justice Careers in North Carolina
Those seeking criminal justice roles in North Carolina have a number of positions to choose from. Consider just a few leading examples.
Detective and Criminal Investigator
Detectives and criminal investigators are law enforcement officers who investigate violations of the law by collecting evidence, interviewing victims and suspects, and analyzing information from criminal justice databases. The mean annual salary for detectives and investigators in North Carolina was $71,870 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
First-Line Supervisor of Law Enforcement Officials
The position of first-line supervisor of police officers or other law enforcement officials can be an excellent option for more experienced professionals who have honed their leadership skills. In 2023, the annual mean salary for first-line supervisors of police and detectives in North Carolina was $81,800, according to the BLS.
Postsecondary Teachers of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
Postsecondary teachers instruct students and other aspiring professionals on criminal justice topics. In North Carolina, the annual mean salary for postsecondary teachers in the criminal justice field was $58,530, according to the BLS.
First-Line Supervisor of Correctional Officers
First-line supervisors in the corrections system provide oversight to corrections officers and jailers. The BLS reports these professionals had a mean annual salary of $64,120 in 2023.
Seek a Role Promoting Justice in North Carolina
Criminal justice career options in North Carolina include managerial, educational, and front-line roles. A good way to prepare for a meaningful career is by earning a degree.
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program at East Carolina University®️ helps prepare students for many criminal justice careers. It provides deep exposure to concepts in evidence-based research, crime and criminality, and corrections. The program is designed to provide students with the skills they’ll need to succeed in management, criminology, or investigation roles.
Explore the diverse career opportunities in criminal justice available to graduates of ECU’s bachelor’s in criminal justice program today.
Recommended Readings
Why Is Criminal Justice Important?
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
What Is a Paralegal? Salary and More
Sources:
East Carolina University, Criminal Justice BS
North Carolina Department of Justice, Employment
North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Juvenile Justice Careers
