Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police and sheriff's patrol officers enforce laws and maintain public order in their assigned areas. They patrol neighborhoods and highways, respond to calls, investigate accidents, direct traffic, and apprehend suspects. Officers work for local police departments, sheriff's offices, and tribal or federal law enforcement agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against police and sheriff's patrol officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves patrolling assigned areas by car or foot, responding to emergency calls, and handling routine incidents. Officers write reports on traffic violations and accidents, conduct interviews with witnesses and suspects, and may testify in court. Work varies significantly—a single shift might include traffic stops, welfare checks, property investigations, and community interactions. Officers maintain detailed records and stay alert to changing conditions throughout their tours.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
People who do well in this role tend to be practical, detail-oriented problem-solvers who follow established procedures and regulations carefully. You likely prefer structured work with clear expectations, value order and stability, and have the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- LEAD POLICE OFFICER · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $60923–$79197
- POLICE OFFICER (TITLE 5) · Air National Guard Units · Jefferson Barracks, Missouri · $59055–$76773
- Police Officer (Secret Service Police) CTAP, ICTAP · U.S. Secret Service · Washington, District of Columbia · $77987–$134165
- Supervisory Police Officer · Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) · Texarkana, Texas · $67970–$88356
- Supervisory Police Officer-Sergeant · U.S. Mint · Fort Knox, Kentucky · $77950–$114605
- Police Officer · Commander, Navy Installations Command · El Centro, California · $52938–$76476
- POLICE OFFICER-COMBAT ARMS TRAINING (T32) · Air National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $58240–$75710
- SUPERVISORY POLICE OFFICER · Air Combat Command · Creech AFB, Nevada · $63046–$81964
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $97,280 | $118,880 | $126,780 | 65,940 |
| Washington | $92,930 | $102,080 | $118,480 | 9,160 |
| Illinois | $76,480 | $100,520 | $107,810 | 29,180 |
| Alaska | $78,810 | $99,130 | $126,480 | 1,260 |
| Colorado | $76,640 | $97,350 | $102,620 | 9,610 |
| Delaware | $75,550 | $92,970 | $102,530 | 1,800 |
| New York | $57,180 | $92,790 | $107,080 | 53,470 |
| New Jersey | $67,070 | $92,610 | $117,800 | 21,780 |
| District of Columbia | $77,210 | $88,650 | $107,360 | 4,720 |
| Oregon | $78,170 | $88,140 | $98,650 | 5,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,080 | $85,470 | $96,970 | 26,510 |
| Hawaii | $82,640 | $83,820 | $108,110 | 2,420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Police Service Dog Certification — Eastern States Working Dog Association, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against police and sheriff's patrol officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-3051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.