By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
Find Criminal Justice Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
Criminal justice salaries in Georgia
In the American South, Georgia emerges not only as a land steeped in history and culture but also as a prime ground for those pursuing careers in the legal and criminal justice fields. Georgia offers opportunities across various professions, each with competitive salaries and promising career trajectories. Here are some reasons why Georgia stands out as an excellent choice for careers in criminal justice and related fields:
- Geographical landscape: Georgia boasts a diverse geographical landscape, ranging from bustling urban centers to rural areas and coastal plains. This diversity presents a wide array of opportunities for professionals in law enforcement, forensics and corrections to experience varied challenges and scenarios in their careers.
- Booming legal market: With Atlanta being a major economic and cultural hub in the Southeast, Georgia houses a thriving legal market. This translates to a high demand for legal services, creating ample job opportunities for paralegals, attorneys and other legal professionals across different practice areas.
- Strong community support: Georgia communities exhibit a strong sense of support and appreciation for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. This not only fosters a positive work environment but also encourages professionals to actively engage with and serve their communities, enhancing job satisfaction and fulfillment.
- Innovative initiatives: Georgia is at the forefront of implementing innovative initiatives in criminal justice, such as diversion programs, rehabilitation services and community policing strategies. These initiatives not only contribute to better outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system but also offer professionals the chance to be part of meaningful and impactful change.
- State-of-the-art facilities: The state of Georgia is home to state-of-the-art forensic laboratories, correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies equipped with modern technology and resources. This ensures that professionals in these fields have access to the tools and infrastructure necessary to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
- Collaborative mindset: Georgia fosters a culture of collaboration and partnership among criminal justice agencies, academic institutions and community organizations. This collaborative approach facilitates knowledge-sharing, professional development and the implementation of best practices, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system as a whole.
Let’s delve into the salaries for different criminal justice careers using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In this Article
Quick view
There are 23,370 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Georgia says the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, nearly five are police or sheriff’s officers—not bad for a state of 10.9 million (2022 statistics). The median wage per hour is $27 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.,
Geographically, Georgia’s access to water not only adds to its geographical diversity but also creates unique opportunities for careers in criminal justice, particularly in marine patrol, coastal law enforcement and environmental protection. These specialized roles play a crucial role in safeguarding the state’s natural resources, promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law in maritime environments.
Here are five top employers for people in the criminal justice field in Georgia, spanning beyond traditional law enforcement roles:
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Decatur and statewide field agencies, GA:
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is a state-level agency responsible for providing investigative and forensic services to law enforcement agencies across Georgia. It offers a range of career opportunities in forensic science, criminal investigations, cybercrime and specialized units such as the Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit. GBI employs forensic scientists, criminal investigators, intelligence analysts and other professionals dedicated to solving crimes and ensuring justice.
- King & Spalding LLP, Atlanta, GA:
- King & Spalding LLP is a renowned law firm with offices in Atlanta and other major cities worldwide. As one of the largest law firms in Georgia, it offers diverse career opportunities for legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants and litigation support specialists. King & Spalding specializes in various practice areas, including criminal defense, white-collar crime, corporate investigation, and regulatory compliance, providing opportunities for individuals interested in private sector legal careers.
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR), Atlanta, Social Circle, regional divisions, GA:
- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) is responsible for managing the state’s natural resources, including parks, wildlife and environmental protection. GADNR employs conservation rangers, wildlife biologists, environmental scientists, and law enforcement officers to enforce wildlife and environmental laws, conduct investigations into poaching and environmental crimes and promote conservation efforts statewide. Careers with GADNR offer opportunities to work in outdoor settings and contribute to the preservation of Georgia’s natural heritage.
- Georgia-Pacific LLC, Atlanta, GA:
- Georgia-Pacific LLC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of paper products, packaging and building materials with headquarters in Atlanta. While primarily a private sector corporation, Georgia-Pacific employs security professionals, investigators and risk management specialists to protect its facilities, assets and intellectual property. Careers in corporate security and investigations at Georgia-Pacific involve safeguarding company interests, conducting internal investigations and mitigating risks related to theft, fraud and workplace safety.
- Coastal Resources, Inc., Brunswick, GA:
- Coastal Resources, Inc. is an investigation firm that’s part of GADNR and specializes in maritime and marine-related investigations in Georgia and the Southeastern United States. It offers career opportunities for licensed private investigators, marine surveyors, underwater investigators and security consultants. Coastal Resources provides investigative services for maritime accidents, vessel theft, insurance claims and maritime litigation, serving clients in the shipping, marine insurance, legal and corporate sectors.
Criminal justice salary stats for Georgia
Criminal justice professionals’ salaries—a huge category that includes private and criminal investigations, cyber security, local and federal law enforcement, legal professions such as paralegal, emergency management, forensics and corrections—may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, your specialty, what professional certifications you have earned, and your level of education. Here are median annual salaries for different careers under the criminal justice umbrella.
Salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for criminal justice roles in Georgia
You can see the median national annual salaries for criminal justice career fields above, but what are the salary averages and medians specific to Georgia state? Take a look:
- Corrections officer:
- The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Georgia is $44,500 per year, although this can vary depending on experience, location and level of responsibility.
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic science technicians in Georgia earn a median salary of approximately $58,500 annually. Positions in this field often require specialized education and training in forensic science.
- Emergency management director:
- Emergency management directors in Georgia earn a median salary of about $75,280 per year. However, most are on call at all times and may need to work overtime to support emergency management operations.
- Private investigator:
- Private detectives and investigators in Georgia earn a median of $44,590 per year. However, earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as specialization and clientele.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals and legal assistants in Georgia typically earn around $55,120 annually. Their duties may include conducting legal research, drafting documents and assisting lawyers in preparing for trials.
Median criminal justice salary in Georgia
The median annual salary for police and sheriff’s officers in Georgia is $56,350. It’s important to note that some law enforcement agencies may provide officers with an allowance for uniforms, extensive healthcare and pension benefits and the option to retire at a younger age. Some police departments offer higher pay for multi-lingual officers.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$42,180
25%$48,290
50%$56,350Median
75%$64,470
90%$77,750
Median Hourly Wage$27
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment21,540
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $60,990 | $48,550 | $79,010 |
| Savannah, GA | $60,900 | $45,150 | $85,350 |
| Dalton, GA | $60,840 | $41,600 | $75,540 |
| Gainesville, GA | $60,730 | $50,870 | $75,250 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $57,250 | $44,080 | $71,370 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $56,920 | $41,790 | $68,350 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $53,880 | $46,000 | $63,580 |
| Albany, GA | $53,780 | $39,210 | $66,780 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $52,260 | $42,840 | $79,100 |
| Hinesville, GA | $52,120 | $26,900 | $64,010 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for law enforcement careers in Georgia
The salary range for police and sheriffs in Georgia spans from $42,180 for the lowest 10% to $77,750 for the highest 10% of officers per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as time on the job, rank, whether a degree has been earned and area of specialty.
Pay by metro area for criminal justice careers in GA
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a criminal justice agency hub, such as Atlanta, Decatur or Brunswick, pay may be more competitive, though the cost of living may also be higher. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. for different criminal justice career fields:
Police and sheriffs
As you can see, California pays highest across the board and dominates the top five metro areas for pay. However the BLS does say the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area ranks #8 in the U.S. for highest employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers.
Paralegals and legal assistants
Georgia as a state does not rank in the top five, but again, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area ranks #7 for highest employment in the U.S. for paralegals.
Private investigators
Georgia metro areas do not rank in the top five for pay or employment of private investigators, says the BLS. Here are the cities that do rank for this criminal justice field:
Salary growth and job outlook
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers have a 3.1% job growth rate predicted through 2034 says the BLS. This is just slightly higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other criminal justice career job growth rates are as follows:
| Criminal justice career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2034 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 0.2% |
| Corrections officers | -7.8% |
| Information security analysts | 28.5% |
| Private investigators | 6% |
| Forensic science technicians | 12.8% |
| Emergency management directors | 3% |
Factors affecting salaries in Georgia
A combination of the following factors, along with the state economy, cost of living, unionization and department in which you work, can influence criminal justice salaries in the state of Georgia. Common factors may include:
- Experience and education:
- Individuals with more experience or who have earned a degree may command higher salaries within the criminal justice field. Law enforcement officers, for example, may receive higher pay with rank, additional years of service or specialized training. Earning professional certifications so you can specialize or advance may also contribute.
- Location:
- Salaries can vary based on the specific region within Georgia. Urban areas such as Atlanta or Decatur tend to offer higher salaries compared to rural areas due to the cost of living differences and demand for law enforcement and legal services.
- Employer:
- Salaries can differ depending on the type of employer. For instance, federal law enforcement agencies may offer higher salaries compared to state or local agencies. Similarly, private employers may offer different salary structures for roles such as private investigators or paralegals.
- Budgets:
- State and local government budget constraints can radically affect salary levels for criminal justice professionals—especially police and sheriffs. Economic downturns or fiscal challenges may lead to freezes on hiring, salary increases or reductions in funding for law enforcement agencies and judicial systems.
- Demand for particular skills:
- Certain specialties within the criminal justice field may command higher salaries due to demand or specialized skills. For example, forensic scientists with expertise in criminalistics may receive higher compensation than generalists.
- Legislation and public policy:
- Changes in legislation or public policy initiatives can impact funding for criminal justice agencies and influence salary levels. For instance, initiatives aimed at improving law enforcement safety or increasing resources for certain programs, such as cultural sensitivity training, may affect salaries.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a law enforcement officer in Georgia?
Determining whether you’re being paid equitably as a law enforcement officer in Georgia involves several steps. First, weighing factors such as your experience or rank, education, duties and the compensation offered by similar agencies in your region helps you understand whether your expectations are realistic. Here are some resources and steps you can take:
- Research comparable agencies: Look into the salaries and benefits offered by other law enforcement agencies in Georgia, particularly those of similar size and jurisdiction. You can review public records, job postings or reach out to colleagues in neighboring departments for information. The Open Georgia–Transparency in Government website offers an archive of salary data in the state.
- Consult collective bargaining agreements: If you are in a union or your agency has a collective bargaining agreement, review the terms related to salary and benefits. These agreements often outline pay scales, step increases and other compensation-related benefits negotiated on behalf of law enforcement officers.
- Use salary comparison tools: Several websites and platforms provide salary comparison tools specific to law enforcement and legal positions. Websites like Payscale, Indeed or Glassdoor may offer insights into average salaries for police officers in Georgia and your city based on factors such as experience and agency size.
- Professional associations: Reach out to professional associations such as the Georgia branch of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for guidance and resources on salary benchmarks and industry standards.
- Weigh your total compensation package, not just salary: Consider not only base salary but also additional benefits such as healthcare insurance, retirement or pension plans, overtime pay, vacation and personal time off and employer-paid specialized training when assessing your overall compensation package.
- Ask your team: Engage with your supervisors, HR department or union representatives to discuss concerns about salary equity, especially if you feel someone in the same position with the same qualifications and duties, is earning more.
- Legal resources: If you still believe your compensation is unjustly low or discriminatory, you may seek legal advice from employment attorneys or organizations specializing in labor rights and fair pay practices. Georgia operates under the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and the Georgia Department of Labor and Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offer ways to report pay disparities.
Education and training
While the basic education and training requirements for correctional officers, law enforcement officers, paralegals and private investigators in Georgia are generally consistent with national standards, there may be variations in specific policies based on state regulations and agency preferences. It’s important for individuals pursuing careers in these fields to research and understand the specific requirements for criminal justice careers in Georgia.
Here are basic education requirements for select criminal justice careers in Georgia:
Correctional officers
The Georgia Department of Corrections states you must meet the following requirements to become a correctional officer or jailer:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have earned your high school diploma or GED
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have no felony convictions
- Must have pass the POST entrance exam
Law enforcement officers
The Georgia Public Safety Training Center says the peace officer certification process is regulated by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST). You must first complete an application with POST prior to enrolling in GPSTC’s Basic Police Officer Training Program.
Candidates pursuing Basic Training at GPSTC must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment
- Undergo a background investigation
- Be fingerprinted
- Undergo a physical examination
- Complete an entrance exam
- Be successfully interviewed by the manager of the GPSTC Regional Academy where you will attend training
Upon meeting or completing the above requirements, you are eligible to enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. The training is a rigorous program that takes 11 weeks to complete. After successfully completing the training, you are eligible for POST certification and an entry-level law enforcement officer rank.
Paralegals
Education: There are no specific educational requirements set by law to become a paralegal in Georgia, however, the Georgia Association of Paralegals recommends that paralegal candidates earn at least an associate degree in paralegal studies.
Training: Many paralegals choose to specialize their skills through certification programs offered by professional organizations or educational institutions. These programs may cover topics such as legal research, writing, ethics, civil procedure and specialized areas of law, such as family, immigration or probate. Organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offer certifications for paralegals.
Private investigators
Steps to obtain a private investigator or detective license in Georgia are as follows:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with the appropriate work permit
- Complete pre-licensing training
- Pass a background check and submit your fingerprints
- File an application to become a licensed private investigator
- Renew your license
Though there are no education and experience requirements issued by the state, individual employers may have other requirements before you can be hired. Some professionals choose to pursue training to enhance their skills and knowledge in investigative techniques, surveillance and legal principles and laws.
Cost of living considerations in Georgia
When evaluating criminal justice salaries in different areas of Georgia, it’s important to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, healthcare, taxes, utilities and other day-to-day expenses can vary across cities or regions. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how your salary may align with your expenses and could help you make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
Cost of living overview:
Some employers may offer cost of living adjustments in Georgia to ensure that salaries keep pace with inflation and the local cost of living. This can vary depending on the policies of the employer and prevailing economic conditions. Georgia in general has a cost of living that is 10% lower than the national average says RentCafe, with housing across the state being 23% lower, utilities around 16% lower and healthcare at 3% lower, though your employer may provide coverage as part of your benefit package (unless you are self-employed).
Cities with the highest cost of living:
There are no major cities in Georgia that are above the national average, says RentCafe, though there are several that are higher than the state’s cost of living average. These include Atlanta (10% higher than the rest of the state), Athens, Marietta and Savannah, among others.
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
Some of Georgia’s cities rest under the national average (Atlanta is 1% lower than the national average) but are higher than the state’s average cost of living. Cities that are under the state’s average cost of living AND the national lower than average cost of living include Macon, Dublin, Augusta, Albany and Statesboro.
Georgia professional associations
The following organizations provide valuable resources such as networking opportunities, continuing education, conferences and advocacy within the criminal justice field in Georgia. Joining these associations can help professionals stay updated on industry trends, expand their professional networks and access resources for career development.
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP): The GACP provides networking opportunities, training seminars and conferences for law enforcement executives and personnel throughout Georgia. They also offer leadership development and advocacy for law enforcement issues.
Georgia Sheriff’s Association (GSA): The GSA offers training, legislative advocacy and networking opportunities for sheriffs and sheriff’s office personnel across Georgia. They organize conferences and workshops focusing on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety.
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL): GACDL provides educational seminars, networking events and legal resources for criminal defense attorneys in Georgia. They offer continuing legal education (CLE) credits and advocate for criminal justice reform.
Georgia Association of Paralegals (GAP): GAP offers networking opportunities, continuing education seminars and resources for paralegals working in various legal fields, including criminal justice. They provide professional development and support for paralegals throughout Georgia.
This salary guide for Georgia aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many career fields under the criminal justice umbrella. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, whether it be in law enforcement, the legal justice system, corrections or forensics and cyber security. Understand how to negotiate salaries and learn to set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.