criminologist
Role lens
Delve into the root causes of crime and contribute to safer communities as a criminologist. This role combines analytical thinking with a deep understanding of human behaviour and social factors to prevent and address criminal activity.
Criminologists investigate the social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behaviour. They analyse data, conduct research, and develop strategies to help organisations—from law enforcement agencies to government bodies—understand and prevent crime. The work often involves identifying patterns, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and advising on policy changes. This career band (Leadership & Strategy) signifies a role often involving leading research projects, developing strategic crime prevention plans, and advising senior management.
- • Conducting research into crime trends, patterns, and causes.
- • Analysing data from various sources, including police records, surveys, and social statistics.
- • Developing and evaluating crime prevention programs and strategies.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could criminologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Future Outlook for criminologist
The outlook for criminologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could criminologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could criminologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse legal evidence
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- review criminal acts
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- manage research data
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Public Service & Safety
A typical day as a criminologist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning conduct forensic evaluations
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon analyse legal evidence
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply knowledge of human behaviour
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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anthropology
The study of development and behaviour of human beings.
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forensic psychiatry
The psychiatry methods applied, the organsation and duties in both criminal and civil frameworks of justice.
- criminal law
- criminology
- mathematics
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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analyse legal evidence
Analyse evidence, such as evidence in criminal cases, legal documentation regarding a case, or other documentation that can be regarded as evidence, in order to obtain a clear image of the case and reach resolutions.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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review criminal acts
Analyse illegal acts committed by individuals in order to uncover a pattern of action, motive, and demographics.
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conduct forensic evaluations
Participate in evaluations required to attest the presence and severity of a mental illness, according to the requirements of a criminal or civil court.
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promote the transfer of knowledge
Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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use data processing techniques
Gather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does criminologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of qualifications are needed to become a criminologist?
- A strong academic background is essential. Typically, a bachelor's degree in criminology, sociology, psychology, or a related field is required, with many progressing to a master's degree for more advanced roles and research opportunities. Strong analytical and research skills are also crucial.
- Is it common to work as a criminologist in private practice?
- While most criminologists find employment with government agencies, law enforcement, or research institutions, private practice is also a viable option. This can involve consulting for legal firms, conducting risk assessments, or providing expert testimony.
- How do the 'Key Work Styles' influence the day-to-day work of a criminologist?
- The identified work styles – focused on detail, analytical thinking, systematic approaches, clear communication, and strategic planning – are integral. You’ll need to meticulously examine data (detail), use logic to interpret findings (analytical), follow established research methods (systematic), explain complex issues clearly (communication), and develop long-term prevention plans (strategic).
- Criminologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 10 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 6 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Criminologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $101,690 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $46,950 to $140,770. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.