By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 8, 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s diverse range of career options in the criminal justice field, coupled with its strong support systems, competitive salaries and benefits and commitment to innovative practices, makes it an excellent state for professionals in this field. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, legal careers, corrections or victim services, Pennsylvania may provide opportunities for growth and success in one of the impactful careers under the criminal justice umbrella. Here are just a few reasons why Pennsylvania holds promise:
- Variety and demand: Pennsylvania’s diverse urban, industrial and rural landscapes create a wide range of criminal justice needs, with a high demand for professionals in large population centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
- Educational opportunities: There are numerous universities and colleges offering specialized criminal justice programs in the state. Institutions like Penn State, Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania provide top-tier education and training.
- Competitive salaries and benefits: Law enforcement and correctional officers in Pennsylvania receive competitive pay and benefits, and those employed at the state level may receive substantial retirement and healthcare plans.
- Career growth: There are opportunities for advancement within various departments and agencies, with continuous training and professional development programs offered.
- Strong community and support systems: Pennsylvania provides access to professional associations and networks such as the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. There are supportive community initiatives and outreach programs that foster collaboration between criminal justice professionals and the public.
- Innovative programs and practices: Pennsylvania is a leader in implementing innovative criminal justice programs, including specialized courts such as drug courts and mental health courts that emphasize rehabilitation and restorative justice practices.
With these promising reasons in mind, 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 25,680 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Pennsylvania said the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, around 4.3 are police or sheriff’s officers. The median wage per hour is $42 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.,
In Pennsylvania, there are several large and diverse employers that hire individuals with criminal justice degrees. These employers offer a range of roles that can utilize the skills and knowledge acquired through a criminal justice education, from frontline law enforcement to behind-the-scenes analysis and support.
Here are five employers for people in the criminal justice field in Pennsylvania, spanning beyond traditional law enforcement roles:
- Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg HQ and county locations, PA:
- The Pennsylvania State Police is the primary law enforcement agency in the state, providing statewide policing services. The agency offers positions for state troopers, criminal investigators, forensic analysts and administrators.
There are also specialized units such as drug enforcement, cybercrime and community policing. - Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg HQ, PA:
- This state department manages the prison system and oversees parole and probation services. The department employs corrections officers, parole officers, administrative positions, rehabilitation and reentry program coordinators.
- City of Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia, PA:
- As the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia has a substantial police department that addresses urban crime.
Police officers, detectives, community outreach coordinators and crime analysts are just some of the roles hired as the department serves a large, urban and diverse population with specialized units like SWAT, homicide and narcotics. - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Philadelphia field office, PA:
- The FBI handles federal investigations and works on issues such as terrorism, cybercrime and public corruption.
The Philadelphia field office hires special agents, intelligence analysts, forensic accountants and support staff to engage in a wide range of high-stakes criminal investigations with national and international implications. - University of Pennsylvania–Division of Public Safety, Philadelphia, PA:
- This department ensures safety and security at the University of Pennsylvania, a major Ivy League institution.
The university hires campus police officers, security officers, crime prevention specialists and emergency management professionals, and combines law enforcement with campus safety, focusing on both preventative measures and emergency response.
Quick salary stats for PA
Criminal justice salaries—a huge category that includes salaries for private and criminal investigations, cyber security, local and federal law enforcement roles, legal professions such as paralegal, emergency management, forensics and corrections—may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in Pennsylvania, how much experience you have, your area of 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 nationally and by comparison, in PA.
Salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for criminal justice roles in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the salary climate for criminal justice jobs is generally competitive, though it can vary significantly based on the specific role, location and level of experience. Pennsylvania’s larger cities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, tend to offer higher salaries due to the increased cost of living and higher demand for specialized law enforcement skills. The state provides decent benefits and opportunities for advancement, making it an attractive option for criminal justice professionals. Overall, while not among the highest-paying states like California or New York, Pennsylvania offers solid and competitive compensation within the criminal justice field, and salaries, according to the BLS, fall into the following medians:
- Correctional officer:
- The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Pennsylvania is $63,540 per year. While the state as a whole does not rank for highest pay, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area ranks 10th for highest paying areas in the U.S. for correctional officers according to the BLS.
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic science technicians in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of approximately $57,820 annually. The state does not rank in the top five states for pay for this career field said the BLS.
- Information security analyst (cyber security):
- Information security analysts in Pennsylvania earn an annual median salary of $110,230 said the BLS.
- Private investigator:
- Private detectives and investigators in Pennsylvania earn a median wage of $51,220 per year. Private investigation firms provide services ranging from corporate investigations to personal and domestic cases.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals and legal assistants in Pennsylvania earn around $60,950 annually. Despite a close proximity to paralegal workforce centers such as New York and Washington D.C., Pennsylvania does not rank in the top five states for pay said the BLS.
- Emergency management director:
- Emergency management directors earned a median salary of $78,190 in Pennsylvania said the BLS. Pennsylvania also ranked fifth for states with the highest employment of emergency management directors said the BLS.
Median criminal justice salary in PA
The median annual salary for police and sheriff’s officers in Pennsylvania is $86,350 with the highest 10% of the field earning more than $112,380.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$50,070
25%$64,230
50%$86,350Median
75%$97,840
90%$112,380
Median Hourly Wage$42
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment24,280
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PA | $94,290 | $43,430 | $108,730 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $91,150 | $52,930 | $117,600 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $90,640 | $54,820 | $121,900 |
| Lancaster, PA | $88,870 | $50,110 | $108,530 |
| Reading, PA | $87,930 | $57,140 | $114,270 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $86,060 | $53,200 | $105,660 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $85,320 | $48,550 | $112,620 |
| State College, PA | $84,510 | $46,700 | $110,160 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $82,270 | $50,220 | $109,090 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $82,050 | $56,600 | $104,530 |
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 Pennsylvania
The salary range for police and sheriffs in Pennsylvania spans from $50,070 for the lowest 10% to $112,380 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 Pennsylvania
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within Pennsylvania. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas mainly because of the cost of living and competition for jobs. If your city is a criminal justice agency hub, such as Philadelphia, Pittsburg or Harrisburg, pay may be more competitive. 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 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area takes the #1 spot in the U.S. for highest employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers. The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area takes the #8 spot for highest employment of these officers.
Paralegals and legal assistants
The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area ranks #5 for top paying metro areas for paralegals and legal assistants, said the BLS. The proximity to higher cost of living areas such as New York city likely accounts for the high rank.
Correctional officers
The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area again ranks highly (#1) for highest employment of correctional officers and jailers, and the same area also ranks #10 for highest paying metro areas for correctional officers in the U.S.
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 Pennsylvania
Several factors specific to Pennsylvania’s economy and industry impact criminal justice salaries in the state. Besides the usual factors that impact salary no metter what state you live in—factors such as education, experience, degree attained and location in which you work—here are some
Several factors specific to Pennsylvania’s economy and industry impact criminal justice salaries in the state. Besides the usual factors that impact salary no metter what state you live in—factors such as education, experience, degree attained and location in which you work—here are some factors that collectively shape the salary landscape for criminal justice jobs in Pennsylvania, making it a state with varied yet competitive compensation structures.
- Cost of living variations:
- Pennsylvania has a diverse economic landscape with significant differences in the cost of living between urban and rural areas. Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have higher living costs, which generally result in higher salaries for criminal justice professionals in these areas to attract and retain talent.
- Unionization:
- Law enforcement and corrections officers in Pennsylvania often benefit from strong union representation, which can negotiate better salaries, benefits and working conditions, thereby positively impacting overall compensation.
- State and local budgets:
- The allocation of state and local budgets significantly affects salaries in the criminal justice field. Pennsylvania’s economic performance and tax revenues influence the funding for law enforcement agencies, corrections and other criminal justice entities.
- Economic diversity:
- Pennsylvania’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in healthcare, education, manufacturing and energy. The economic health of these industries can impact state and municipal budgets, influencing the funding available for criminal justice salaries.
- Urban vs rural needs:
- Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh face higher crime rates and more complex criminal issues, necessitating more specialized and higher-paid criminal justice roles. In contrast, rural areas might offer lower salaries due to less demand and lower living costs.
- Educational and research institutions:
- Pennsylvania is home to numerous universities and research institutions. These institutions not only provide education and training for criminal justice professionals but also often employ them in various capacities, such as campus security or research roles, which can offer competitive salaries.
- Industry demand for security:
- The presence of significant industries, including the energy sector (e.g., Marcellus Shale natural gas production), necessitates robust security and law enforcement measures. Companies in these industries may employ private security and specialized law enforcement personnel, potentially driving up salaries for skilled professionals.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in Pennsylvania?
Determining if your pay is equitable in your criminal justice job in Pennsylvania involves several steps and considerations. You may want to consider taking a comprehensive approach:
Research salary data:
- Use online salary surveys and industry reports: Use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Payscale, Glassdoor and Indeed to research salaries for your specific job title in Pennsylvania. The BLS provides detailed wage data by occupation and state. Look for industry-specific salary reports or surveys conducted by professional organizations, such as the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) or the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Compare similar positions:
- Compare by geographic location, job title and duties: Compare salaries for similar positions in your specific city or region within Pennsylvania. Salaries can vary widely between urban and rural areas. Make sure you’re comparing roles with similar responsibilities, qualifications and experience levels.
Consider any government pay scales or union data:
- Look up public sector salaries and review your union contract, if applicable: If you work for a government agency, many salaries are public record. You can often find salary scales and pay grades on any federal agency’s official website. If you’re part of a union, review the collective bargaining agreement for information on salary scales and step increases.
Weigh your total package, not just compensation:
- Consider benefits and perks and whether there is job security or opportunity for advancement: Factor in the total compensation package, including health benefits, retirement plans, overtime pay and other perks. Sometimes these benefits can significantly enhance the overall value of your compensation. Consider the stability of your job and opportunities for career progression, which can affect the long-term value of your current salary.
Consult with a career advisor:
- Use resources such as the university career services office or a professional career coach: If you are a recent graduate, many universities offer career services that include salary data and job placement assistance. You might try consulting with a career coach who specializes in the criminal justice field for personalized advice and salary benchmarks.
Last resorts:
- Make an appointment with your HR manager to discuss your concerns.
- File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
- Consider looking for a role that suits your needs better.
Education and training
Pennsylvania’s education requirements for criminal justice jobs vary widely depending on the specific role. These education requirements provide a baseline, but specific requirements can vary by employer and job role. Additionally, higher levels of education and specialized training can improve job prospects and opportunities for advancement within the field. Here’s an overview of typical requirements for various positions within the criminal justice field:
Correctional officers
Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
Preferred education: Some agencies may prefer or require some college coursework or an associate degree in criminal justice.
Training: Must complete a training academy specific to corrections.
Law enforcement officers
Police officer
- Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred education: Some agencies may prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
- Training: Completion of a police academy training program is required, which includes both classroom instruction and practical training.
State trooper (Pennsylvania state police)
- Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred education: An associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
- Training: Must complete the State Police Academy training, which includes rigorous physical and academic components.
Paralegals
Minimum education: Associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field.
Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field, or a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies.
Training: Paralegal certification from an accredited program can be advantageous. Some positions may require specific training or experience in certain areas of law.
Additional requirements: Proficiency in legal research, writing and familiarity with legal software and databases. Paralegal certification from organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Bar Association (ABA) may enhance job prospects.
Detectives or criminal investigators
Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
Preferred education: Many detectives start as police officers, so an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be beneficial for promotion.
Training: Extensive on-the-job experience as a police officer, often coupled with specialized investigative training.
Cost of living considerations in Pennsylvania
Cost of living overview:
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is generally moderate, with significant variation between urban and rural areas. Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to have higher costs for housing, transportation and services, reflecting their urban environments. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas typically offer a lower cost of living, with more affordable housing and everyday expenses. Overall, Pennsylvania’s cost of living is considered to be close to the national average, making it an attractive state for a balanced lifestyle with reasonable expenses relative to income. RentCafe says the overall cost of living in the state is 4% lower than the national average, with housing 17% lower than the national average.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
Cities in Pennsylvania that have a higher cost of living than the national average are Allentown (5% higher), Williamsport (2% higher), Philadelphia (2% higher) and Reading (1% higher).
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
RentCafe’s list of Pennsylvania cities that rank lower than the national average for cost of living includes some promising industry hubs: Harrisburg (1% lower), Pittsburgh (2% lower), York (3% lower), Scranton (8% lower) and Erie (12% lower).
PA professional associations for criminal justice professionals
Professional associations provide resources, support and professional development opportunities for individuals interested in, or already working in, different criminal justice careers in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA): The PCPA provides leadership, support and advocacy for police chiefs and other law enforcement leaders across Pennsylvania. It offers professional development, training programs and networking opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
Pennsylvania Association on Probation, Parole and Corrections (PAPPC): The PAPPC supports probation and parole officers by providing resources for professional development, advocating for policy improvements and offering a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among community supervision professionals.
Pennsylvania County Correctional Association (PCCA): The PCCA focuses on the professional development of corrections personnel. It offers training programs, conferences and networking opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working in the corrections field, promoting best practices in correctional management and inmate rehabilitation.
Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations (KAPA): The Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations serves as a statewide umbrella organization for local paralegal associations in Pennsylvania. It aims to promote the professional development and recognition of paralegals, providing resources, continuing education opportunities and advocating for paralegals within the legal community.
This salary guide for Pennsylvania 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.