Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Common Job Titles
- Deputy
- Deputy Sheriff
- Patrol Officer
- Police Officer
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
666,990
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,640. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,980. 50th percentile: U.S. $76,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $97,190. 90th percentile: U.S. $115,280. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,640 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $115,280 |
| Workers on average earn | $79,320 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security4.8/5
- Law and Government4.8/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Psychology4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Computer aided dispatch software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crime mapping software
- Database software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Audio recording equipment
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Base station radios
- Biohazard suits
- Blood collection kits
- Body armor