Law, Criminal Justice, and Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary earn $89,270 median salary
The median salary for law, criminal justice, and social work professors is $89,270 per year. That's based on BLS data for 45,820 professionals in the field. Half earn between the 10th percentile ($49,870) and the 90th percentile ($208,120). The mean wage is $111,610, or roughly $43 an hour.
How much Law, Criminal Justice, and Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Pay varies widely by institution type, experience, and location. At the low end, 10% earn less than $49,870; at the high end, 10% earn more than $208,120. The mean annual wage is $111,610. For hourly workers, the mean is about $53.66, but most are salaried faculty.
The BLS doesn't break out pay for this occupation by industry, but postsecondary teachers typically earn more at four-year universities than at community colleges or trade schools. Decades of experience and tenure can push pay toward the 90th percentile.
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-level wage data for this specific occupation. However, national pay is heavily influenced by geography. States with high cost-of-living and strong university systems—like California, New York, and Massachusetts—tend to pay above the median. Lower-paying states often include those in the South and Midwest, but precise figures aren't available from OEWS for this grouping.
How to become Law, Criminal Justice, and Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Most positions require a doctoral degree, though some community colleges may hire master's-level instructors. For law professors, a Juris Doctor (JD) is typically sufficient, often combined with a strong publication record or practical legal experience.
Social work professors usually need a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or a PhD in social work. Criminal justice faculty often hold a PhD in criminology or a related field. Entry-level instructorship may be possible with a master's degree plus work experience, but tenure-track jobs strongly prefer a terminal degree.
The path: earn a relevant bachelor's degree, complete a master's (if progressing to PhD), and then a doctoral degree. During grad school, gaining teaching experience as a teaching assistant is critical. After graduation, a postdoctoral fellowship or visiting assistant professorship can bridge to a permanent role. Publishing research is essential for tenure-track positions.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in law, criminal justice, social work, or a related field.
- Complete a master's degree if aiming for a PhD (or apply to JD/PhD programs directly).
- Earn a terminal degree: JD (law), PhD or DSW (social work), PhD (criminology/criminal justice).
- Gain teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct roles.
- Build a research portfolio with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this occupation from 2024 to 2034. But postsecondary teachers in general are expected to grow about 8% over the decade, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is driven by college enrollment trends and retirement of current faculty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical range of salaries for law, criminal justice, and social work teachers?
The typical range is $49,870 (10th percentile) to $208,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $89,270.
Do these teachers need a PhD?
Most tenure-track positions require a doctoral degree, but some community colleges may accept a master's. Law professors can qualify with a JD.
What is the job growth outlook?
The BLS did not have a specific projection for this occupation from 2024-2034, but postsecondary teaching jobs overall are projected to grow 8%, faster than average.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Law, Criminal Justice, and Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary data.