Protective Services · Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$19–23k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$29–34k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+2.9% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 2.9% from 2024 to 2034; about 11 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Detectives
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Experienced First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Senior First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Director of Protective Services
You prioritize Independence
This career is strongly aligned with Independence — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Active Listening
Active Listening is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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