Protective Services · Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
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
$56–68k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$95–112k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-0.7% · Declining
Projected decline of -0.7% from 2024 to 2034; about 8 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 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 Officers
Police Identification and Records Officers
Experienced Police Identification and Records Officers
Senior Police Identification and Records Officers
Director of Protective Services
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — 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 some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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