Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > California
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median Criminal Justice Salary | $123,492 |
| National Comparison | California salaries are approximately 39.4% higher than the national average for criminal justice |
| Primary Licensing Body | California POST Commission |
| Accreditation Required | Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online criminal justice degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California salaries are approximately 39.4% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in California.
How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Criminal Justice professionals in California experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for California.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $197,790 |
| Police Supervisor | $162,740 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $122,140 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $115,400 |
| Correctional Officer | $95,840 |
| Probation Officer | $107,050 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $96,850 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $72,960 |
| Information Security Analyst | $140,660 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Choosing a program in California can provide several advantages:
Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For California, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.
California salaries are approximately 39.4% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
The California POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in California. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
