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Legal, Public Safety & Criminal Justice Careers
Legal and public safety careers support courts, communities, and investigations.
Roles in this category span courtroom support, public safety, and investigative work. Training requirements and hiring outlook vary by role, agency, and state.
Why Choose a Legal or Public Safety Career?
Legal and criminal justice careers provide diverse options for analytical, administrative, and hands-on professionals.
Top reasons to explore this field:
- A range of administrative and hands-on roles
- Opportunities to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law
- Pathways for both college graduates and vocational trainees
- Advancement into supervisory, investigative, or specialized units
Compensation, benefits, and eligibility requirements vary by employer and jurisdiction.
Featured Careers
Explore leading career paths in law, justice, and public safety:
- Paralegal – Research, draft, and assist attorneys with case preparation
- Legal Secretary – Manage legal documents, filings, and correspondence
- Court Reporter – Create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings
- Correctional Officer – Maintain safety and order in detention facilities
- Police Officer – Enforce laws and protect communities through patrol and investigation
- Private Investigator – Conduct surveillance and gather facts for legal or private clients
- Forensic Science Technician – Analyze crime scene evidence to support investigations
Each career includes distinct certification, licensing, and education requirements.
Education & Training Options
Legal and criminal justice education is available at every level, from certificates to advanced degrees.
Typical pathways include:
- Certificate Programs (6–12 months): Legal assistant, private investigation, or security training
- Associate Degrees (2 years): Foundational coursework in criminal justice or paralegal studies
- Bachelor’s Degrees (4 years): Advanced study in criminology, law, or public administration
- Academy or Licensing Programs: Required for law enforcement and correctional officers
Online and hybrid formats are increasingly common for legal support and administrative careers.
Certifications & Licensing
Professional credentials strengthen credibility and improve advancement prospects in this sector.
Examples include:
- NALA CP / CLA: Certified Paralegal designation
- POST Certification: Law enforcement training credential
- Court Reporting Licensure: Required in most states for official court reporters
- Private Investigator License: Mandated by state boards with background checks and experience requirements
Staying certified ensures compliance with evolving legal and ethical standards.
Career Outlook
The legal and public safety field includes roles with varied outlooks, influenced by retirements, local budgets, and policy needs.
High-demand areas include:
- Law enforcement and homeland security
- Paralegal and legal research services
- Forensic science and investigative analysis
- Cybercrime and digital forensics
Professionals with technology, bilingual, or leadership skills may have additional advancement opportunities, depending on role and employer.
Related Resources
Compare programs, certifications, and academy options.
Eligibility requirements, timelines, and costs vary by state and agency. Confirm details directly with schools and employers.
Compare Careers in This Category
Certification and licensing requirements vary by state and employer. Training times reflect typical program or apprenticeship lengths and can differ by provider, prior experience, and local regulations. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board or prospective program.
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $59,310* | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Construction Worker | $46,730* | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) | 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) |
| Flooring Installer | $53,599* | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) |
| Plumber | $62,970* | Yes (state licensing) | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Welder | $51,000* | Optional (AWS certification preferred) | 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Tile Setter | N/A | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) |
| Pipefitter | $60,900* | Yes in many states (state licensing; apprenticeship) | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Steamfitter | $60,900* | Yes in many states (state licensing; apprenticeship) | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Boilermaker | $73,340* | Varies (apprenticeship; state license in some areas) | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Brick & Block Mason | N/A | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Cabinet Maker | N/A | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Ironworker | N/A | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Locksmith | $50,490* | Varies (state license in some areas) | 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
| Roofer | $50,592* | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended; contractor license for business owners) | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) |
| Sheet Metal Worker | N/A | Yes in many states (apprenticeship; trade license varies) | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Insulation Worker | N/A | Optional (OSHA 10/30; apprenticeship often recommended) | 3–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) |
| Drywall Installer | N/A | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 3–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) |
| Woodworker | $43,886* | Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $106,980* | Varies (contractor license in many states) | 2–4 years (degree or field experience) |
| Home Inspector | $72,120* | Yes in many states (state license) | 2–6 months (state-approved course) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | Varies (state license or industry certification) | 3–12 months (coursework + field hours) |
| Energy Auditor | N/A | Optional (BPI/HERS credentials often required) | 2–6 months (coursework + fieldwork) |
| Environmental Technician | N/A | Optional (HAZWOPER; industry certifications) | 6–12 months (certificate + fieldwork) |
| Water Damage Restoration Technician | N/A | Optional (IICRC WRT/ASD certifications) | 1–6 months (courses + on-the-job) |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance Repair Technician | N/A | Optional (EPA 608 for sealed systems) | 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job) |
| Electrician | $62,350* | Yes (state licensing) | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) |
| HVAC Technician | $59,810* | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) | 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate) |
| Refrigeration Technician | N/A | Yes (EPA 608; state license in many areas) | 6–18 months (certificate or associate) |
| Lineworker | $92,560* | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) | 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship) |
| Solar Installer | $51,860* | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) | 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) |
| Controls Technician | N/A | Optional (ISA/PLC certifications) | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) |
| Home Security Technician | N/A | Varies (state low-voltage license in many areas) | 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job) |
| Tower Technician | $70,500* | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) | 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $62,580* | Yes (industry safety certifications) | 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma) |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Body Repair Technician | N/A | Optional (I-CAR/ASE certifications) | 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $78,680* | Yes (FAA A&P license) | 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,670* | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Automotive Technician | $49,670* | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) | 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) |
| CNC Machinist | $56,150* | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) | 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
| Diesel Technician | $60,640* | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) | 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship) |
| Gunsmith | $48,640* | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) | 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $58,710* | Optional (CDL required for many roles) | 6–12 months (trade school or union program) |
| Maintenance Technician | $48,620* | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) | 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job) |
| Millwright | $65,170* | Optional (apprenticeship; NCCER beneficial) | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Pilot | $170,956* | Yes (FAA Commercial Pilot License) | 12–24 months (flight school + hours) |
| Robotics Technician | N/A | Optional (FANUC/ABB OEM certifications) | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $57,440* | Yes (CDL Class A or B) | 3–6 months (CDL program) |
| Freight Broker | $80,880* | Varies (FMCSA authority for business owners) | 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job) |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | N/A | Optional (OEM/ASE certifications) | 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
| Marine Technician | N/A | Optional (ABYC certification beneficial) | 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $39,530* | Yes (state CNA exam) | 4–12 weeks (state-approved program) |
| Patient Care Technician | $39,530* | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $48,790* | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) |
| Home Health Aide | $34,900* | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) | 3–6 months (training + competency exam) |
| Medical Assistant | $44,200* | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) | 9–12 months (certificate or diploma) |
| Mental Health Technician | $42,590* | Varies (state registration + employer training) | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $62,340* | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) | 12–18 months (state-approved program) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $62,340* | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) | 12–18 months (state-approved program) |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $47,300* | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) | 9–18 months (diploma or associate program) |
| EKG Technician | $67,260* | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) | 3–9 months (certificate program) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $43,460* | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $43,660* | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) | 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $77,660* | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) | 2 years (associate degree) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $89,340* | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) | 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $46,490* | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) |
| Surgical Technologist | $62,830* | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) | 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program) |
| Optician | $46,560* | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) | 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate) |
Emergency Services & Public Safety
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT | N/A | Yes (state certification; NREMT) | 3–6 months (state-approved program) |
| Paramedic | $58,410* | Yes (state license; NREMT-P) | 12–24 months (advanced program + clinicals) |
| Firefighter | $59,530* | Yes (fire academy; EMT often required) | 6–12 months (academy + EMT) |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $50,250* | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $44,640* | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) |
| Medical Biller | $50,250* | Optional (CPB, CBCS, or CHBME) | 9–18 months (certificate or diploma) |
| Medical Coder | $50,250* | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CCS) | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $68,340* | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) | 2 years (accredited associate degree) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $34,520* | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) | 3–12 months (certificate or employer training) |
| Massage Therapist | $57,950* | Yes (state license) | 9–18 months (state-approved school) |
| Personal Trainer | $46,180* | Yes (national certification required by many employers) | 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum) |
| Life Coach | $49,830* | Optional (ICF/CCE/NBHWC certification preferred) | 6–18 months (certificate) |
| Recovery Coach | $45,120* | Varies (state peer/recovery certification often required) | 6–12 months (certificate + supervised hours) |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Trainer | $38,750* | Optional (industry certifications preferred) | 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,320* | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) | 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) |
| Veterinary Technician | $45,980* | Yes (VTNE and state license) | 2 years (associate degree) |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty Professional | $35,250* | Yes (state cosmetology license) | 9–15 months (state-approved school) |
| Cosmetologist | $35,250* | Yes (state cosmetology license) | 9–18 months (state-approved school) |
| Esthetician | $41,560* | Yes (state esthetics license) | 4–9 months (state-approved program) |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | $39,168* | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) | 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) |
| Pastry Chef | $39,168* | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) | 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) |
| Travel Agent | $48,450* | Optional (IATA/CLIA or vendor certifications) | 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job) |
Design & Creative Careers
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $61,300* | Optional (portfolio; degree helpful) | 1–4 years (certificate or degree) |
| Interior Designer | N/A | Optional (NCIDQ; licensure varies by state) | 2–4 years (degree in Interior Design or related) |
| Jewelry Designer | N/A | Optional (GIA/JA credentials) | 6–24 months (certificate or associate) |
| Floral Designer | $36,120* | Optional (on-the-job or certificate) | 3–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship) |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Median Salary (U.S.) | Certification / Licensing | Typical Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | $49,210* | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $67,310* | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) | 6–12 months (certificate program) |
| Paralegal | $61,010* | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) | 12–24 months (certificate or associate) |
| Legal Secretary | N/A | Optional (NALS ALP/CLP certification) | 6–24 months (certificate or associate) |
*Source: Data Date: May, 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 National
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