Occupational Outlook Handbook > Protective Service >

Protective Service Occupations

Employment of protective service occupations is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than average, which will result in about 95,200 new jobs.

Protective service occupations had a median annual wage of $41,580 in May 2019, which was slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2019 MEDIAN PAY
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs	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.	High school diploma or equivalent	$45,300
Firefighters	Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$50,850
Fire Inspectors	Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met.	See How to Become One	$60,230
Police and Detectives	Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.	See How to Become One	$65,170
Private Detectives and Investigators	Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.	High school diploma or equivalent	$50,510
Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers	Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property from illegal activity.	High school diploma or equivalent	$29,710