Criminology salaries in Australia: what can you earn?
By Sarah VercoePublished on
Thinking about a career in criminology and wondering how much a criminologist earns? We break down what you can earn over your career and dive into what drives salary differences and earning potential.
What is the average salary for a criminologist in Australia?
If you're curious about how much a criminologist earns, the first thing to know is that salaries vary more than most single figures suggest.
According to SEEK, the average advertised salary at time of publishing for a criminology-related role is between $89,000 to $104,000 a year. But in reality, that range can be much wider, with graduate entry roles like research assistants and junior policy analysts earning at the lower end of the scale, and those in senior or specialist positions earning at the higher end. Some academic roles pay over $150,000 a year.
It's a range that reflects a career spanning several quite different settings. A criminologist working as a research officer in a community organisation and one employed as a senior academic at a research university are doing different work, with different qualification requirements and very different salary structures. For more on the differences between criminology jobs, check out our guide on criminology jobs and career pathways.
What factors affect a criminologist’s salary?
Several things can play into where you land on the salary scale. That's why two criminologists with the same qualification can have very different salaries over the course of their careers.
Level of experience and qualification
A new graduate will earn far less than someone who’s been working in the field for over a decade, but that’s the same as any profession. Similarly, a bachelor degree can get you into the field, but a masters degree or doctorate can lead to roles that pay considerably more, particularly in academia and senior government.
The sector your choose
The sector you work in can make a big difference too. Government and academic roles often offer higher salaries than roles within community and non-profit, while private consulting allows you to set your own ceiling. The trade off is less predictability around what you earn each year.
Location
Salaries are higher in major cities where the concentration of government, research and justice sector employers is greatest. And the more specialised expertise you bring, whether that's forensic, policy analysis or research methods, the more you can earn.
Criminology salaries by experience level
New graduate – 0 to 2 years
The salary for a criminologist working in typical graduate roles, like research assistant, junior policy analyst, or crime prevention officer, starts at around $62,000 and above on SEEK job advertisements.
Early career – 3 to 5 years
With a clearer professional focus and a few years behind you, earnings commonly sit between $65,000 and $85,000, particularly if you’re employed in government where there’s typically structured career and salary progression.
Mid-career – 6 to 10 years
The $80,000 to $100,000 and up salary band become increasingly accessible for criminologists who have developed specialist skills or moved into supervisory roles.
Senior and specialist – 10+ years
Experienced practitioners in senior roles, including senior researchers, principal policy advisors, forensic consultants and established academics, can earn upwards of $100,000 to $130,000 or more.
Academic roles
Academic roles are in a category of their own. Dr Wayne Petherick, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology from the University of Southern Queensland with nearly three decades in academia, explains that an early-career academic can make $110,000 or more per year, though this does come after postgraduate, and sometimes doctorate, study.
Criminology salaries by specialisation
Government, policy and intelligence
Government, policy and intelligence roles can offer structured salary bands and clear career progression, with salaries often starting around the $80,000 mark and increasing as you move into more senior or specialised positions. Pay will vary depending on the agency, level of government and type of role.
As one example, a criminology graduate who joins the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) will start on $79,877 plus 15.4% super in 2027. After successfully completing the graduate program, they move into the next salary band of $88,833 to $96,829, with more senior ACIC roles paying more than $100,000.
Research and academia
Academic criminologists with strong publications and research are among the higher earners in the profession. Senior academics and professors can earn well above $150,000, though the path there is long and competitive.
Corrections and justice
Across Australia, government community corrections, probation and parole roles currently advertise salaries ranging from around $77,000 to $114,000 a year. Salaries vary by role classification, according to state public sector pay structures.
Forensic and case work
Forensic case workers support people involved with the justice system, including people transitioning from custody back into the community. Salaries vary depending on the employer and level of experience, but salaries on SEEK are typically advertised between $85,000 and $95,000.
Community and non-profit
Criminology graduates can also work in community and non-profit organisations, including victim support, youth services and advocacy. Salaries vary by role and employer, but many social and community services positions are covered by the SCHADS Award, which sets minimum pay according to an employee’s qualifications, responsibilities and level of experience.
As a guide, under the 2026 award rate, someone with a relevant three-year degree can start at about $84,000 a year, with higher classifications paying around $92,000 to $110,000 or more.
How can criminologists increase their earning potential?
Like most careers, your earning potential is likely to grow as you gain experience and take on more responsibility. But how else can you increase your earning potential as a criminologist?
Study
Further study can be one of the clearest paths to higher earnings while also opening up new opportunities. While it's not essential for every role, a masters degree or doctorate can lead to more senior positions, particularly in academia and government where postgraduate qualifications are more prevalent.
For more on your study options, read our criminology degree guide. If you’re still weighing up the benefits of study, read our article on is a criminology degree worth it?
Time
Over time, many criminologists also develop expertise in a particular area, whether that's policy, research, data analysis, forensic practice or something else. Having specialist knowledge can help you move into different roles and, in some cases, higher salaries.
Leadership and consulting
Some criminologists move into leadership positions as their careers progress, while others take on consulting work once they've built experience and established a strong reputation.
Real talk: a criminologist’s perspective on the salary journey
After nearly three decades in the field, Dr Wayne Petherick says the conversation about salary is more nuanced than most people expect. While some roles offer modest salaries, others can be financially rewarding, particularly if you're willing to commit to further study. He explains:
Government jobs will usually pay reasonably well, with wages in the mid-$80,000 bracket being the median. Academic jobs tend to pay better, but require more in terms of qualifications, publications, research activity and other metrics. It would not be unusual for an early-career academic to make $110,000 or more a year.
Reaching that level of pay early in your career, however, usually requires more than an undergraduate degree.
“To get an academic job you would need a bachelor degree, a postgraduate degree and usually a doctorate,” he says. “Depending on your field and mode of study, this would involve anywhere from seven years through to ten or more years of study.”
While the salary can be attractive, Wayne says they rarely come without trade-offs. Along with the years of study needed to get there, senior academic roles bring a demanding mix of teaching, research, publishing, committee work and administration. And if you work cases as well, your caseload work would be on top of that, says Wayne.
Explore your criminology study options through us
The first step towards a lucrative criminology career is study – and Open Universities Australia can support you with that. We help you compare courses, choose the best path and enrol, while you'll study directly with your chosen university.
About the author
Sarah Vercoe
Contributor
Sarah Vercoe is a Queensland-based writer bringing lifestyle, education, and human-interest stories to life for national publications and non-profits. When she’s not writing, she’s lost in a book with her cat by her side.
FAQs about criminology salaries
What is the starting salary for a criminologist in Australia?
Entry roles can start at around $62,000 and above, according to current SEEK advertisements. Government positions often come with structured salary bands that make the starting point more predictable.
What is the highest salary a criminologist can earn?
Senior academic positions, principal forensic consultants and senior government policy advisors are some of the highest paying criminology roles. Salaries above $150,000 are achievable for highly experienced practitioners, though they do represent the senior end of the field.
Do criminologists working for government agencies earn more than those in the private sector?
It depends on the role. Government positions offer more structured salaries and better job security. Experienced consultants and private sector practitioners can earn more at the senior end.
Do criminologists receive additional benefits beyond their salary?
Many salaried criminologists, particularly in government and academia, receive superannuation, leave entitlements, professional development funding and flexible work arrangements. Independent consultants usually have to cover these costs themselves.
Are contract or consulting criminologists paid differently from salaried employees?
Yes. Consultants and contractors typically charge higher day rates than equivalent salaried roles, reflecting the absence of employment benefits and the nature of the work.
