Protective Service Occupations
Employment in protective service occupations is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average, and will result in about 95,200 new jobs.
Protective service occupations had a median annual wage of $43,710 in May 2020, which was slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
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OCCUPATION |
JOB SUMMARY |
ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  |
2020 MEDIAN PAY |
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Correctional officers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.
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High school diploma or equivalent
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$47,440
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Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk.
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Postsecondary nondegree award
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$52,500
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Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met.
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See How to Become One
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$62,120
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Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
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See How to Become One
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$67,290
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Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.
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High school diploma or equivalent
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$53,320
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Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property from illegal activity.
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High school diploma or equivalent
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$31,080
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2020 Median Pay
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
Entry-level Education
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Last Modified Date:
Friday, April 9, 2021
United States Department of Labor
