Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 13,560 criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys, and they earn a median of $71,470/year. The range runs from $46K to $143K. California pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys start around $46K. The gap between that and the median ($71K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $143K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136K | 1,300 |
| Wisconsin | $97K | 300 |
| Maryland | $95K | 230 |
| Oregon | $82K | 90 |
| New York | $81K | 1,050 |
| Minnesota | $81K | 90 |
| Utah | $80K | 80 |
| New Hampshire | $80K | 50 |
| Louisiana | $79K | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | 390 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary make?▼
The median criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $71,470 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $45,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,130.
What education do you need to become a criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys.
What are the highest paying states for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys?▼
The highest paying states for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondarys are California ($136,240), Wisconsin ($97,290), Maryland ($95,410), Oregon ($82,400), New York ($80,960). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.