🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 3% growth · Average

Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff

Police officers enforce laws, respond to crimes, assist in emergencies, and protect their communities. Sheriff's deputies serve the county and may also manage jails. It's a career of service with strong benefits, pensions, and job security.

$66,020 Median Salary
697K US Jobs
4–6 months academy Training
Usually government-funded for cadets Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$44,000
Median
$66,020
Experienced
$103,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

3%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
697K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
Academy Certification
Required Credential
Academy Certification (CJSTC in FL, GPSTC in GA)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Police/Law Enforcement Academy
Program Length
4–6 months academy
Typical Tuition
Usually government-funded for cadets
Work Setting
Municipal police, county sheriff, state police, transit police
🏆 Credential Required: Academy Certification (CJSTC in FL, GPSTC in GA)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Municipal police environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC