Which of the following jobs in the field of criminal justice pays the least?

• A. Detective
• B. Police Officer
• C. Probation Officer
• D. Correctional Officer

Answer: (D)

Salaries in criminal justice jobs can vary a lot based on education, responsibilities, and career paths. Among the listed roles, correctional officers typically earn the least. They supervise inmates in jails or prisons, keeping order and safety on site. While this work is essential, the pay scales for correctional institutions often lag behind those for sworn police roles and for specialized or supervisory positions, and advancement opportunities tend to offer smaller raises in many jurisdictions.

Police officers usually have higher pay due to broader duties, the potential for overtime, and clearer paths to advancement into higher-paying ranks. Detectives, as specialists in investigations, generally command even higher pay because of longer training, greater responsibility, and the prestige and complexity of investigative work. Probation officers’ pay can vary, but many in this role have bachelor’s-level education and carry responsibilities that in some places place them on a pay level similar to or above correctional officers.

So, the job that tends to pay the least among these is correctional officer.