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Protective Service Occupations

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Employment of protective service occupations is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations, which will result in about 158,200 new jobs.

Protective service occupations had a median annual wage of $40,640 in May 2018, which was slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 MEDIAN PAY
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs	Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals 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.	High school diploma or equivalent	$44,400
Firefighters	Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$49,620
Fire Inspectors	Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators, another type of worker in this field, determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess outdoor fire hazards in public and residential areas.	See How to Become One	$60,200
Police and Detectives	Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.	See How to Become One	$63,380
Private Detectives and Investigators	Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people’s backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.	High school diploma or equivalent	$50,090
Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers	Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity.	High school diploma or equivalent	$28,530