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 Ohio
Ohio has several factors that make it a notable state for criminal justice salaries and careers. These factors are influenced by the state’s industry, economy and specific regional needs.
Why Ohio is different
- Diverse economy: Ohio’s strong manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and financial services sectors provide a robust economic base that supports competitive salaries in the criminal justice field.
- Urban vs. rural opportunities: Both urban centers and rural areas offer unique career opportunities, with urban areas typically providing higher salaries and more specialized roles.
- Strong education and training: The state’s educational institutions produce well-qualified criminal justice professionals, supporting a vibrant job market.
- Government and public safety funding: Significant state and federal law enforcement presence and funding for public safety initiatives positively impact career opportunities and salaries.
With these reasons in mind, let’s take a look at salaries for different criminal justice careers in Ohio using data from the BLS.
In this Article
Quick view
Though there are many careers under the criminal justice umbrella, we’ll focus on the largest group—law enforcement officers, including police and sheriff’s patrol officers. There are 22,320 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Ohio said the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people in the state, over four are a police or sheriff’s officer. The BLS said the north northeastern non-metropolitan area of Ohio has the fourth highest employment of police and sheriff’s jobs in the U.S. The BLS includes these counties in Ohio’s noncontiguous metropolitan area:
- Ashland County
- Ashtabula County
- Columbiana County
- Crawford County
- Erie County
- Holmes County
- Huron County
- Knox County
- Marion County
- Ottawa County
- Sandusky County
- Seneca County
- Wayne County
- Wyandot County
The median wage per hour for police and sheriffs in Ohio is $37 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.
Ohio is home to several large police departments and sheriff’s offices, providing numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialized roles in areas like narcotics, cybercrime and community policing. With the presence of state agencies like the Ohio State Highway Patrol and federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA, Ohio offers a variety of career paths and competitive salaries. Ohio also has a significant number of state and federal correctional facilities, requiring a large workforce of correctional officers, administrators and support staff.
There are numerous universities and colleges offer criminal justice programs in the state, providing a steady stream of qualified graduates. Institutions such as The Ohio State University and University of Cincinnati are well-regarded in the field.
The following employers represent a broad spectrum of opportunities across criminal justice in Ohio, including state and federal law enforcement, correctional management and the legal professions.
- Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Columbus, OH.
- ODPS oversees the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bureau of Motor Vehicles and other divisions focused on public safety and law enforcement. The agency hires law enforcement officers, forensic scientists and administrative staff.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati and Cleveland field offices, OH:
- The FBI has field offices in Cincinnati and Cleveland, where it handles federal crimes, terrorism and complex investigations requiring forensic expertise. The field offices hire special agents, intelligence analysts, forensic accountants, paralegals and support staff.
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), London, OH:
- BCI is part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and provides forensic services, criminal investigations and expert testimony. The bureau hires forensic scientists, criminal investigators, crime scene analysts and support staff.
- Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, OH:
- As the largest police department in Ohio, the Columbus Division of Police offers various opportunities for careers in law enforcement and support services, usually as police officers, detectives, crime analysts, forensic specialists and in administrative support roles.
- Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Columbus, OH:
- The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office handles criminal cases, provides legal support and works closely with law enforcement agencies in Columbus and surrounding areas. The office utilizes the skills of prosecutors, paralegals, victim advocates, private investigators and administrative staff.
Salary quick stats for Ohio
Pay for criminal justice professions in Ohio can vary significantly depending on the specific role, level of experience, education and location within the state. Additionally, benefits, overtime pay and union agreements may significantly impact overall compensation for criminal justice professionals in Ohio.
The BLS said the national median annual salaries for different criminal justice careers are as follows.
National median annual salaries for criminal justice roles
Salaries for criminal justice roles in Ohio
The median salaries for criminal justice professionals specifically within Ohio are generally competitive, with some counties and metro areas ranking better than others for pay.
- Corrections officer:
- Corrections officers working in state prisons or county jails in Ohio may have salaries that reflect the demanding nature of the job and the level of responsibility. The BLS said the median pay for correctional officers in Ohio is $58,840.
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic scientists working for state agencies, such as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, typically earn competitive salaries, with opportunities for advancement and specialization. The BLS said forensic science technicians in Ohio earned a median salary of $73,310.
- Police officer:
- Salaries for police officers can vary widely based on the department, location and years of service. Larger cities like Columbus or Cleveland may offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns. Median pay in Ohio was $77,050 said the BLS.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals in Ohio typically work in law firms, corporate legal departments or government agencies. Salaries can vary based on the size of the employer and the paralegal’s level of experience. Median salaries in Ohio were $58,870.
- Probation officer:
- Probation officers working for the state or federal government oversee individuals on probation and may have opportunities for salary increases with experience and additional training. In Ohio, probation officers earned a median annual salary of $60,090 said the BLS.
Median law enforcement salary in Ohio
The median annual salary for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Ohio is $77,050. It’s important to acknowledge that salaries may be based on experience, education, department, rank and location within the state. Here are median salaries for cities within Ohio as well as the state-wide median from the BLS.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$49,390
25%$61,670
50%$77,050Median
75%$90,270
90%$104,430
Median Hourly Wage$37
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment24,050
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $99,960 | $56,570 | $112,740 |
| Cleveland, OH | $81,730 | $55,360 | $93,980 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $80,410 | $54,600 | $96,240 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $77,030 | $58,490 | $94,980 |
| Akron, OH | $75,540 | $49,650 | $88,650 |
| Toledo, OH | $74,520 | $49,390 | $87,260 |
| Mansfield, OH | $68,200 | $48,460 | $75,300 |
| Sandusky, OH | $66,400 | $37,920 | $87,900 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $64,990 | $47,160 | $78,220 |
| Springfield, OH | $62,420 | $46,820 | $94,560 |
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 Ohio
The salary range for police and sheriffs in Ohio spans from $49,390 for the lowest 10% of earners to $104,430 per year for the highest 10%. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level and high-ranking roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as education and whether a degree has been earned, as well as time in the position.
Pay by major cities for criminal justice careers in Ohio
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Logically, cities—with their higher cost of living—tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Columbus, which is home to federal, county and state agencies and bureaus, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities and metro areas in the U.S. for different criminal justice career fields:
Police and sheriffs
As you can see, California metro areas pay highest across the board, taking all of the top spots, and Ohio cities and metro areas do not rank in the top 10 for highest pay. However, the BLS said Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati are the top three highest paying cities for police and sheriffs in Ohio.
Paralegals and legal assistants
California metro areas again take the top spots for pay, and Ohio has no metro areas for highest pay, highest quotient of jobs or highest level of employment in the U.S. for paralegals said the BLS.
Private investigators
Ohio’s metro areas don’t rank in the top 10 for highest pay for private investigators said the BLS. Here are the areas that do rank the best:
Salary growth and job outlook
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers have a 3.1% job growth rate predicted through 2034 said 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 Ohio
Several factors unique to Ohio can impact pay for criminal justice careers in the state. These unique factors combine to create a dynamic landscape for criminal justice careers, influencing salaries and career opportunities no matter where you live in the state. Besides education, years of experience, geographic location and size of employer, here are some state specific factors:
- State legislation and policies:
- Legislative changes affecting criminal justice policies, such as bail reform, sentencing laws and prison population reductions, can impact the demand for various criminal justice professionals and their pay. State investments in public safety infrastructure and technology can lead to salary increases for professionals who operate and manage these systems.
- Regional crime rates:
- Regions with higher crime rates may require more law enforcement, potentially driving up salaries to meet the demand. Statewide initiatives aimed at reducing crime or addressing specific issues, such as the opioid epidemic, can lead to increased funding and higher salaries for involved roles.
- State economy:
- The overall economic health of Ohio can impact public sector wages. Economic downturns may lead to pay freezes or cuts, while a healthy economy can result in higher pay and more job opportunities. In areas where the private sector offers competitive pay for similar skill sets, public sector employers may need to increase salaries to attract and retain talent.
- Specialized skills and certifications that fill a need:
- Professionals with specialized skills, such as forensic science expertise or advanced investigative techniques, may command higher salaries. Earning professional certifications, such as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner, and advanced degrees may lead to higher pay.
- Demand vs. availability:
- Areas with high crime rates or understaffed departments may offer higher salaries to attract and retain employees. Proximity to colleges and universities with strong criminal justice programs, such as The Ohio State University, may influence the availability of qualified professionals and potentially impact salaries.
- Union representation:
- Strong unions can negotiate higher salaries, better benefits and improved working conditions. Ohio has active police and firefighter unions that play a significant role in setting pay scales. Paralegals, corrections officers and other law enforcement professionals may also benefit from union representation.
- State and local budgets:
- Pay may be influenced by the financial health of state and local governments. Budget constraints can limit salary growth, while surplus budgets or targeted funding increases can lead to salary hikes.
- Cost of living:
- Ohio has significant differences in cost of living between urban areas like Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati and more rural parts of the state. Urban areas tend to offer higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in Ohio?
Dealing with pay inequity in Ohio involves utilizing various resources and strategies. By using these resources, you can take proactive steps to address pay inequity and ensure you are compensated fairly for your work in Ohio.
Legal and government resources
Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC): The OCRC is responsible for enforcing state laws against discrimination in employment, including pay inequity. You can file a complaint if you believe you are being paid unfairly due to discrimination.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. They investigate complaints about wage discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): ODJFS can provide information about wage and hour laws in Ohio and help you understand your rights related to pay and benefits.
Legal support
Employment lawyers: Consulting with an attorney who specializes in employment law can provide personalized advice and potential legal representation if you are considering taking legal action against an employer for pay inequity. The Ohio State Bar Association can help you find a qualified employment lawyer
Advocacy and support groups
National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): The NWLC advocates for equal pay and provides resources and support for individuals experiencing pay inequity, including legal advice and information on how to address wage discrimination.
Workplace resources
HR department: If you are experiencing pay inequity, you can start by discussing the issue with your HR department. They can provide information on company pay policies and may be able to address discrepancies.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Some employers offer EAPs that provide confidential counseling and support services. These programs can help you understand your rights and navigate workplace issues, including pay inequity.
Web resources
Salary surveys and market research: Researching salary benchmarks for your role and industry can provide evidence to support your case for equitable pay. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics offer valuable data.
Collective actions
Union representation: If you are part of a union, your union representatives can advocate on your behalf for fair pay and address pay inequity issues through collective bargaining agreements.
Education and training
The educational requirements for criminal justice careers in Ohio generally align with national standards, though there may be some state-specific requirements and certifications. Here’s an overview of the education needed for various criminal justice careers in Ohio:
Law enforcement officers
Education: Typically, a high school diploma or GED is required. Some departments may prefer or require some college coursework or an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Training: Completion of a state-approved police academy is mandatory. Ohio has several police academies, and the training includes physical conditioning, firearms training and legal education.
Certification: After completing the academy, candidates must pass the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) certification exam.
Paralegals
Education: An associate degree in paralegal studies is common. Many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a paralegal certificate from an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program.
Certification: Optional certifications can be obtained from organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) certification is for those who want to demonstrate expertise in specific areas of law.
Correctional officers
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. Some positions may prefer candidates with an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Training: Completion of a training program accredited by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Certification: State certification may be required, involving passing a written exam and physical fitness test.
Forensic science technicians
Education: A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or a related field is required. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree or specialized training.
Training: On-the-job training and continuing education are crucial for staying current with technological advancements and methodologies.
Cost of living in Ohio
Cost of living overview:
RentCafe says the cost of living in Ohio is 8% lower than the national average, with housing 22% lower than the national average, and utilities are 3% lower. U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio as the #36 state in the best overall states to live in category.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
Of the cities that RentCafe ranks only Lima, OH has a higher cost of living than the national average, and it is only 1% higher.
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
The remainder of the ranked cities in Ohio all came in under the national average for cost of living, including hubs for criminal justice careers. Cities such as Cincinnati (3% lower), Columbus (8% lower), Dayton (5% lower), Akron (10% lower) and Cleveland (8% lower) populate the list.
Ohio associations for criminal justice professionals
These professional groups may offer valuable resources, networking opportunities and support for criminal justice professionals in Ohio, helping them stay informed, connected and able to develop the skills to advance in their field.
Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP): OACP is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and excellence in law enforcement. It provides training, resources and networking opportunities for police chiefs and other law enforcement leaders in Ohio.
Cleveland Association of Paralegals (CAP): CAP is a professional organization serving paralegals in the Cleveland area. It offers educational programs, networking opportunities and resources to support the professional growth of its members.
Ohio Identification Officers Association (OIOA): OIOA is a regional division of the International Association for Identification. It provides training, resources and networking opportunities for forensic professionals in Ohio, focusing on fingerprint identification, crime scene investigation and other forensic disciplines.
Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association (OCCSA): OCCSA supports corrections professionals in Ohio through training, professional development and networking opportunities. It focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of those working in corrections and court services.
This salary guide for Ohio strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many career fields under the criminal justice umbrella in the Buckeye State. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations about your educational and professional future in Ohio.