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Maintain law and order, respond to emergencies, and protect people and property.
$47,510
Lower reported wage
$76,210
Median
$115,120
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →Police authority comes through agency hiring and required training, not a criminal-justice degree alone; standards vary locally. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051): BLS OEWS May 2025 annual United States median (50th percentile) $76,210. The lower and upper figures are the published 10th and 90th percentiles. They describe the wage distribution, not starting or senior pay. Wage figures reviewed October 27, 2026. Source: https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/?areas=INDUSTRY,STATE,MSA&major_group=330000&measure=01&occupation=333051 . Employment and growth retain their existing source periods and were not refreshed in this wage review.
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Ask each agency whether academy and probationary training are paid and what benefits apply. [1]
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A related academic route, not a substitute for an agency academy or hiring standards. [1]
Respond to calls, protect people and property, write reports, and investigate possible crimes. [1]
Officers work in communities, stations, vehicles, and varied outdoor settings. [1]
Shift work around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is common. [1]
The work can be dangerous, physically demanding, and stressful; sound judgment and communication are essential. [1]
With experience and agency requirements, officers may move into investigations, specialized units, or supervision. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
You can enter this career through a government civil service exam — often with no college degree required.
Civil service exams follow set filing windows — check the deadline and apply on time.