By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 7, 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 Texas
Texas is a strong state for criminal justice careers, owing to its size, diverse population, significant border with Mexico, unique law enforcement agencies and large number of metropolitan areas. Here’s a comparative overview of Texas as a location for criminal justice careers, focusing on salaries, education, opportunities and unique features of the Lone Star State.
Why Texas is different
- Large state with diverse opportunities: Texas has a vast array of criminal justice job opportunities due to its size and large population. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio offer numerous positions in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science and cyber security.
- Border with Mexico: Texas shares a lengthy border with Mexico, necessitating a strong presence of federal and local law enforcement to manage immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling.
- Large rural and urban areas: Texas has both densely populated urban centers and vast rural areas, providing a wide range of law enforcement environments and challenges.
- Wide-ranging economy: Texas’s economy encompasses oil and gas, technology, agriculture and manufacturing, which creates varied criminal justice issues and career opportunities, from law enforcement to cyber security.
With these reasons in mind, let’s take a look at salaries for different criminal justice careers 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 57,760 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Texas says the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, just over four are a police or sheriff’s officer. The BLS says Texas holds the #2 spot for highest employment of police and sheriffs in the U.S. following California. The median wage per hour is $37 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.
With a significant border with Mexico, Texas has a high demand for border security and immigration enforcement roles, offering unique career opportunities in federal agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
These employers represent a broad spectrum of opportunities within the criminal justice field in Texas, including state and local law enforcement, federal border security, correctional management and legal prosecution. Each organization offers unique roles that leverage the skills and expertise of criminal justice professionals to maintain public safety, enforce laws and administer justice.
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Austin, TX:
- DPS is the state agency responsible for law enforcement and public safety in Texas. It includes the Texas Highway Patrol, the Texas Rangers and various other specialized units.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Conroe, Corpus Christi and Dallas/Fort Worth, TX:
- As part of the Department of Homeland Security, CBP is responsible for securing the nation’s borders, including a significant portion of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
- Houston Police Department (HPD), Houston, TX:
- HPD is one of the largest police departments in the United States, serving the city of Houston, which is the fourth-largest city in the nation.
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Huntsville, TX:
- TDCJ oversees the state’s prison system, parole and probation services, employing a large number of correctional officers and rehabilitation specialists.
- Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Dallas, TX:
- The DA’s office prosecutes criminal cases in Dallas County, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. It also works on community outreach and crime prevention.
Salary quick stats for Texas
Criminal justice professionals—a category that includes careers in cyber security, local and federal law enforcement, legal professions, emergency management, forensics and corrections—pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education. Here are median annual salaries for different careers in Texas.
National salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for criminal justice roles in Texas
Salaries for criminal justice professionals in Texas are generally competitive, though they may not be as high as in the #1 ranked state of California due to a lower cost of living. Here’s a comparison:
- Corrections officer:
- In Texas, the median salary is around $51,020 for correctional officers and jailers, compared to $95,840 in California.
- Forensic science technician:
- The median salary for forensic science technicians in Texas is about $55,830, compared to $96,850 in California.
- Law enforcement officer:
- The median annual salary is approximately $76,350 in Texas, compared to $115,400 in California.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals assist lawyers by maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents. Median annual pay in Texas is $59,700 versus California, which pays a median of $72,960.
- Information security analysts (cyber security):
- In Texas, the median salary is approximately $124,970, compared to $140,660 in California.
Median criminal justice salary in Texas
The median annual salary for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Texas is $76,350. Besides the state’s being ranked #2 for highest employment of police and sheriffs, the Houston-Sugar Land-The Woodlands area ranks #4 for highest employment in the country, probably due to the fact that the Houston Police department is one of the largest in the U.S. It’s important to acknowledge that salaries may be based on experience, education, rank and location within the state. Here are median salaries for cities within Texas as well as the state-wide median.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$51,590
25%$61,080
50%$76,350Median
75%$93,070
90%$99,450
Median Hourly Wage$37
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment62,230
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $91,470 | $63,090 | $104,610 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $83,820 | $62,740 | $103,910 |
| Midland, TX | $80,850 | $59,270 | $98,490 |
| Laredo, TX | $80,790 | $50,460 | $91,100 |
| Amarillo, TX | $79,830 | $56,770 | $92,480 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $77,620 | $52,430 | $91,630 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $77,590 | $55,280 | $94,320 |
| El Paso, TX | $77,300 | $46,970 | $96,700 |
| Abilene, TX | $76,970 | $48,610 | $95,110 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $76,740 | $58,040 | $97,800 |
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 criminal justice careers in Texas
The salary range for police and sheriffs in Texas typically spans from $51,590 to $99,450 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level and high-rank 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 Texas
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 an industry hub, say for example you work in Houston or Austin, which are home to many federal and state agencies, 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 metro areas pay highest across the board, taking all of the top five spots, and with San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara at #1. However, North Texas does rank at #2 for non-metropolitan areas for highest employment of police and sheriffs.
Paralegals and legal assistants
California again takes the top two spots for pay, however, the non-metropolitan area of North Texas again ranks at #4 for highest employment of paralegals, and the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area ranks at #8 for metro highest employment of paralegals in the U.S.
Private investigators
Texas ranks #3 for highest employment of private investigators but it doesn’t rank in the top 10 for highest pay. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area ranks #5 for highest employment in the U.S. Here are the top 10 paying cities in the nation according to the BLS:
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 Texas
Pay for criminal justice careers in Texas may be influenced by lower living costs, unique features of the state that demand specific skills and roles, the location and workplace, the level of competition for the job (Texas Rangers for example) and usual factors such as education and experience. Here are a few factors that may influence the salaries of criminal justice professionals in the state:
- Lower cost of living:
- The cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than many other states. Housing, utilities and general living expenses are more affordable, which can offset the lower salary levels. Criminal justice professionals may have a higher disposable income in Texas compared to other states, even if nominal salaries are lower.
- Demand for specific roles:
- Texas shares a lengthy border with Mexico, necessitating a strong presence of federal and state law enforcement to manage immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling.
- Location:
- Texas has both densely populated urban centers and vast rural areas, providing a wide range of law enforcement environments and challenges. The Dallas area consistently maintains a top spot as a hub for criminal justice careers in law enforcement and legal professions.
- Education and experience:
- Educational requirements for criminal justice careers in Texas are generally aligned with national standards. For example, police officers typically need to complete a training academy certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Border security and immigration enforcement roles may require specialized training and bilingual skills, reflecting the unique needs of the state.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a law enforcement officer in Texas?
To determine if you are being paid fairly in a criminal justice career in Texas, you can utilize several resources and strategies to compare your salary with industry standards and address any discrepancies. Here are some steps and resources that can help:
Steps to Determine Fair Pay
Research salary data and standards specific to Texas and your area:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on median salaries for various criminal justice careers by state and metropolitan area. Visit the BLS website and look up data specific to Texas.
- State and local government websites: Websites like the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) provide regional salary data and labor market information. Check their website for detailed insights.
- Professional associations: Organizations like the Texas Police Association (TPA) or the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA) may offer salary surveys or reports for members.
Consult local job listings or ask recruiters:
- Job boards: Check job postings on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn and government job boards to see the salary ranges offered for positions similar to yours in Texas.
- Government positions: For public sector jobs, salary information is often transparent. Look at postings on sites like GovernmentJobs.com or directly on municipal, county or state government websites.
Resources for addressing pay discrepancies
Internal resources:
- Human resources (HR): Discuss your concerns with your HR department. They can provide insights into pay scales, salary bands and criteria for raises or promotions.
- Union representation: If you are part of a union, your union representative can assist with negotiating pay and addressing discrepancies. Unions often have detailed knowledge of industry standards and collective bargaining agreements.
State agencies:
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): The TWC can provide resources and support for labor issues, including wage disputes. They also offer workforce development services that may include training and career advancement resources.
- Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Labor Law Section: This office can help with issues related to wage and hour laws. They enforce labor laws and can investigate wage complaints.
Federal agencies:
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division enforces federal wage laws. If you believe you are not being paid fairly according to federal standards, you can file a complaint with them.
Legal resources:
- Employment lawyers: If you believe you are experiencing significant pay discrepancies or wage theft, consulting with an employment lawyer can be beneficial. Many lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case.
- Legal aid organizations: Nonprofit organizations like Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) offer free legal services to low-income individuals who may have wage disputes.
Professional associations:
- Advocacy and support: Many professional associations offer resources for salary negotiation and career advancement. They can provide industry-specific advice and support.
- Networking: Connect with your peers through professional associations, social media or conferences to discuss salary trends and gain insights into what others in your field are earning.
Education and training
The educational requirements for criminal justice careers in Texas generally align with national standards, for example, police officers typically need to complete a training academy certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). But certain roles have additional or unique requirements, such as border security and immigration enforcement roles, which may require specialized training and bilingual skills.
Correctional officers
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Additional training: Candidates must complete a training program at a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Academy, which includes courses on security procedures, inmate management and Texas-specific laws and regulations.
Law enforcement officers
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); some agencies may prefer or require some college education.
- Candidates must complete a TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) which includes training on Texas law, law enforcement techniques and firearms proficiency.
- Candidates must pass the TCOLE state licensing exam.
- Must be at least 21 years old or 18 with an associate degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university.
- Pass a physical fitness test.
- Pass a background check, psychological evaluation and drug screening.
Paralegals
Education: While there is no statewide requirement, most employers prefer candidates with at least an associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field. A bachelor’s degree and/or a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program can enhance job prospects.
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), which are recognized in Texas and can improve job prospects.
Texas Rangers
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); however, most Texas Rangers have significant law enforcement experience and often possess higher education degrees.
Training:
- Law enforcement experience: Must have a minimum of eight years of law enforcement experience, often with a significant portion in investigative roles.
- TCOLE certification: Must hold an active TCOLE peace officer license.
- Additional training: Rangers receive specialized training in criminal investigations, crisis negotiation and Texas-specific laws and procedures.
Additional requirements: Strong performance and reputation in prior law enforcement roles and must pass a rigorous selection process, including physical fitness and background checks.
Border patrol
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Training: Candidates must complete the training program at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The program includes courses in immigration law, Spanish language, physical training and firearms proficiency.
Additional requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be under 40 years old at the time of appointment (with some exceptions for veterans)
- Pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph exam, medical examination and fitness test
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Cost of living in Texas
The cost of living in Texas is around 7% lower than the national average, says RentCafe. Housing is the most significant factor at 17% lower than the national average. Plus, Texas has relatively affordable housing compared to many other states, particularly in major urban areas, which can be a big factor when looking for criminal justice jobs.
Cost of living overview:
Though the cost of living in lower than the national average, there are still some cities in Texas that are higher. One of the most significant financial benefits of living in Texas is the absence of state income tax though property taxes are relatively high, which helps compensate for the lack of state income tax. Rates vary significantly by county and school district.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
Cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have higher living costs, particularly for housing, but also offer higher wages and more job opportunities. But that also doesn’t mean the cost of living is higher across the board. For example, RentCafe says of the above cities, only Dallas has a higher than the national average cost of living (2% higher). Other cities that are higher than the national average are Plano (17% higher), Gainesville City (10% higher) and Hutto (8% higher).
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
There are plenty of cities in Texas that have lower costs of living than the national average but still are higher than the state average. Cities that have a lower than the national average include Houston (6% lower), Fort Worth (6% lower), Waco (7% lower), Austin (1% lower), San Antonio (9% lower) and El Paso (12% lower).
Texas associations for criminal justice professionals
These associations offer networking resources, support and professional development opportunities for individuals working in various criminal justice fields in the state of Texas:
Texas Corrections Association (TCA): Supports correctional professionals through training, resources and advocacy.
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI): TALI offers support and resources for private investigators and security professionals.
TMPA, the Voice of Texas Law Association: From defending pensions to improving labor issues, TMPA’s legislative team supports law enforcement.
Texas Alliance of Paralegal Associations (TAPA): TAPA offers continuing education activities, programs and publications for paralegal members.
This salary guide for Texas 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 in the Lone Star State. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future in Texas.