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Associate Degree Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.

An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 484 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers / (38.99%) / ($219,140)
Computer and Information Systems Managers / (35.15%) / ($169,510)
Clinical Research Coordinators / (33.77%) / ($157,740)
Air Traffic Controllers / (78.05%) / ($137,380)
Purchasing Managers / (36.84%) / ($136,380)
Loss Prevention Managers / (40.91%) / ($133,560)
Wind Energy Operations Managers / (65.24%) / ($133,560)
Computer Network Architects / (35.00%) / ($129,840)
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators / (84.67%) / ($120,350)
Industrial Production Managers / (70.50%) / ($116,970)
Geothermal Production Managers / (80.39%) / ($116,970)
Biofuels Production Managers / (47.96%) / ($116,970)
Biomass Power Plant Managers / (38.51%) / ($116,970)
Hydroelectric Production Managers / (77.90%) / ($116,970)
Commercial Pilots / (98.19%) / ($113,080)
Mechatronics Engineers / (32.67%) / ($111,970)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / (40.74%) / ($111,970)
Administrative Services Managers / (71.74%) / ($106,470)
Web Administrators / (40.00%) / ($104,920)
Information Security Engineers / (47.37%) / ($104,920)
Blockchain Engineers / (37.50%) / ($104,920)
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects / (72.73%) / ($104,920)
Information Technology Project Managers / (33.33%) / ($104,920)
Construction Managers / (55.00%) / ($104,900)
Power Distributors and Dispatchers / (94.36%) / ($104,750)
Computer Systems Analysts / (56.64%) / ($103,800)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / (99.66%) / ($102,420)
Facilities Managers / (92.59%) / ($102,340)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / (47.05%) / ($101,800)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / (80.58%) / ($101,750)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / (84.15%) / ($101,740)
General and Operations Managers / (72.41%) / ($101,280)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects / (36.84%) / ($100,270)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products / (58.63%) / ($99,710)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / (67.01%) / ($99,710)
Mechanical Engineers / (47.22%) / ($99,510)
Special Effects Artists and Animators / (46.91%) / ($99,060)
Video Game Designers / (45.00%) / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / (62.46%) / ($98,300)
Power Plant Operators / (87.46%) / ($97,010)
Biomass Plant Technicians / (90.28%) / ($97,010)
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians / (93.13%) / ($97,010)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay / (97.61%) / ($96,600)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / (100.00%) / ($94,580)
Ship Engineers / (81.03%) / ($94,270)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / (68.68%) / ($92,500)
Police Identification and Records Officers / (75.14%) / ($91,100)
Labor Relations Specialists / (33.32%) / ($89,980)
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels / (90.68%) / ($88,730)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / (86.55%) / ($88,670)
Dental Hygienists / (75.18%) / ($87,530)
Aviation Inspectors / (96.07%) / ($87,290)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / (100.00%) / ($87,290)
Registered Nurses / (42.65%) / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / (35.71%) / ($86,070)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / (97.19%) / ($85,420)
Web Developers / (50.01%) / ($84,960)
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes / (41.87%) / ($84,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / (42.07%) / ($84,570)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / (100.00%) / ($84,270)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / (86.96%) / ($83,740)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / (100.00%) / ($82,710)
Gas Plant Operators / (100.00%) / ($82,560)
Producers and Directors / (43.30%) / ($82,510)
Media Programming Directors / (48.00%) / ($82,510)
Talent Directors / (30.75%) / ($82,510)
Gambling Managers / (93.26%) / ($82,380)
Technical Writers / (58.04%) / ($80,050)
Online Merchants / (58.72%) / ($79,590)
Fashion Designers / (49.34%) / ($79,290)
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment / (85.65%) / ($79,160)
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians / (92.08%) / ($77,830)
Avionics Technicians / (96.67%) / ($77,420)
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents / (34.85%) / ($76,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers / (89.50%) / ($76,760)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / (93.70%) / ($76,760)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / (32.08%) / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / (57.51%) / ($76,210)
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers / (90.39%) / ($75,820)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / (60.66%) / ($75,670)
Coroners / (40.00%) / ($75,670)
Funeral Home Managers / (93.51%) / ($75,660)
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators / (39.64%) / ($75,050)
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians / (99.37%) / ($75,020)
Search Marketing Strategists / (52.18%) / ($74,680)
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage / (98.53%) / ($74,520)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / (95.76%) / ($74,160)
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers / (50.00%) / ($73,690)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / (90.91%) / ($73,500)
Photonics Technicians / (81.82%) / ($73,500)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / (70.66%) / ($72,280)
Transit and Railroad Police / (65.67%) / ($72,250)
Wellhead Pumpers / (100.00%) / ($71,830)
Computer Network Support Specialists / (49.70%) / ($71,530)
Boilermakers / (100.01%) / ($71,140)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / (100.00%) / ($71,130)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / (89.30%) / ($70,530)
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants / (80.15%) / ($70,310)
Athletes and Sports Competitors / (75.54%) / ($70,280)
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door / (98.56%) / ($70,100)
Loan Officers / (30.14%) / ($69,990)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / (57.47%) / ($69,260)
Surveyors / (52.63%) / ($68,540)
Flight Attendants / (87.65%) / ($68,370)
Construction and Building Inspectors / (80.00%) / ($67,700)
Energy Auditors / (75.86%) / ($67,700)
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators / (100.00%) / ($67,640)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / (96.81%) / ($67,010)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment / (100.00%) / ($66,680)
Roof Bolters, Mining / (100.00%) / ($66,660)
Film and Video Editors / (34.31%) / ($66,600)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / (93.42%) / ($66,170)
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers / (87.18%) / ($65,930)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / (66.12%) / ($65,630)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / (32.71%) / ($65,130)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians / (79.71%) / ($65,080)
Robotics Technicians / (77.27%) / ($65,080)
Rail Car Repairers / (99.99%) / ($65,030)
Forensic Science Technicians / (65.60%) / ($64,940)
Crane and Tower Operators / (100.00%) / ($64,690)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic / (99.17%) / ($64,190)
Physical Therapist Assistants / (84.16%) / ($64,080)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / (100.00%) / ($64,070)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (63.49%) / ($64,020)
Automotive Engineering Technicians / (59.25%) / ($64,020)
Midwives / (41.58%) / ($63,630)
Pile Driver Operators / (100.01%) / ($63,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers / (53.45%) / ($63,450)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers / (98.14%) / ($63,440)
Food Service Managers / (90.26%) / ($63,060)
Millwrights / (100.00%) / ($62,980)
Health Education Specialists / (64.77%) / ($62,860)
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers / (73.63%) / ($62,510)
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic / (100.01%) / ($62,270)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary / (67.55%) / ($62,060)
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines / (100.01%) / ($61,900)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,870)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / (93.10%) / ($61,800)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / (91.08%) / ($61,770)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / (100.01%) / ($61,770)
Electricians / (98.70%) / ($61,590)
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters / (100.00%) / ($61,590)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (100.01%) / ($61,550)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / (77.54%) / ($61,550)
Tool and Die Makers / (100.00%) / ($61,490)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,420)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics / (100.01%) / ($61,420)
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers / (90.24%) / ($61,310)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / (84.35%) / ($61,240)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / (93.54%) / ($61,210)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / (43.47%) / ($60,970)
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (81.66%) / ($60,700)
Medical Equipment Repairers / (99.99%) / ($60,670)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / (99.99%) / ($60,170)
Brokerage Clerks / (61.77%) / ($60,150)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / (88.91%) / ($59,730)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / (99.99%) / ($59,640)
Postal Service Clerks / (100.00%) / ($59,570)
Sound Engineering Technicians / (72.00%) / ($59,430)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / (64.62%) / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / (48.31%) / ($59,240)
Insurance Sales Agents / (53.10%) / ($59,080)
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists / (99.99%) / ($58,970)
Chefs and Head Cooks / (91.67%) / ($58,920)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / (81.54%) / ($58,920)
Sheet Metal Workers / (100.01%) / ($58,780)
Hearing Aid Specialists / (43.26%) / ($58,670)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / (98.23%) / ($58,620)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / (62.46%) / ($58,530)
Quality Control Analysts / (72.10%) / ($58,350)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($58,210)
Watch and Clock Repairers / (98.31%) / ($58,140)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians / (42.85%) / ($57,920)
Maintenance Workers, Machinery / (97.42%) / ($57,350)
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers / (65.10%) / ($57,320)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / (100.00%) / ($57,070)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / (100.00%) / ($56,940)
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners / (59.20%) / ($56,920)
Chemical Technicians / (56.26%) / ($56,750)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($56,660)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / (100.00%) / ($56,430)
Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($56,350)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / (100.00%) / ($56,330)
Riggers / (100.00%) / ($56,220)
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($56,160)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($55,750)
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers / (61.33%) / ($55,740)
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers / (95.18%) / ($55,700)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / (100.00%) / ($54,890)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / (82.35%) / ($54,690)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / (88.58%) / ($54,580)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / (99.99%) / ($54,320)
Embalmers / (86.37%) / ($54,090)
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists / (75.97%) / ($54,080)
Tire Builders / (99.47%) / ($54,080)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / (100.01%) / ($53,920)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / (100.01%) / ($53,900)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / (82.43%) / ($53,550)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / (100.01%) / ($53,440)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / (100.00%) / ($53,300)
Bailiffs / (99.99%) / ($53,040)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($52,640)
Costume Attendants / (68.86%) / ($52,370)
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks / (68.16%) / ($52,240)
Traffic Technicians / (88.33%) / ($52,240)
Choreographers / (76.18%) / ($52,000)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / (85.19%) / ($51,880)
Stonemasons / (100.00%) / ($51,830)
Audio and Video Technicians / (57.32%) / ($51,640)
Biological Technicians / (31.37%) / ($51,430)
Desktop Publishers / (61.30%) / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / (49.14%) / ($51,140)
Glaziers / (100.01%) / ($51,100)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / (88.76%) / ($51,030)
Machinists / (100.00%) / ($50,840)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / (99.99%) / ($50,720)
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (93.00%) / ($50,680)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / (31.83%) / ($50,660)
Dredge Operators / (100.00%) / ($50,440)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / (68.62%) / ($50,270)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / (92.80%) / ($50,270)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($50,250)
Directors, Religious Activities and Education / (36.68%) / ($50,140)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / (100.00%) / ($50,050)
Transportation Security Screeners / (100.00%) / ($50,020)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,990)
Private Detectives and Investigators / (57.84%) / ($49,540)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / (100.01%) / ($49,230)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,210)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / (100.00%) / ($49,120)
Food Science Technicians / (52.50%) / ($49,090)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / (100.00%) / ($49,070)
Tax Preparers / (76.20%) / ($49,010)
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,980)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / (99.05%) / ($48,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / (100.00%) / ($48,910)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / (100.01%) / ($48,900)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / (95.26%) / ($48,890)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / (99.99%) / ($48,840)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / (95.84%) / ($48,840)
Solar Photovoltaic Installers / (84.97%) / ($48,800)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / (52.69%) / ($48,790)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / (99.99%) / ($48,740)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / (100.00%) / ($48,690)
Patternmakers, Wood / (100.00%) / ($48,630)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / (96.78%) / ($48,550)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / (100.00%) / ($48,480)
Paperhangers / (100.00%) / ($48,460)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / (100.00%) / ($48,410)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / (94.78%) / ($48,380)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / (92.30%) / ($48,380)
Cargo and Freight Agents / (69.25%) / ($48,330)
Freight Forwarders / (41.92%) / ($48,330)
Logging Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,240)
Agricultural Inspectors / (87.88%) / ($48,010)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($47,950)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / (100.00%) / ($47,760)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / (65.40%) / ($47,710)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / (98.15%) / ($47,700)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / (92.45%) / ($47,690)
Animal Breeders / (95.94%) / ($47,540)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / (100.00%) / ($47,540)
Carpet Installers / (100.00%) / ($47,520)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / (83.87%) / ($47,470)
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists / (75.00%) / ($47,470)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / (84.34%) / ($47,450)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / (81.29%) / ($47,440)
Models / (96.06%) / ($47,430)
Travel Agents / (85.65%) / ($47,410)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / (85.70%) / ($47,390)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / (61.75%) / ($47,380)
Highway Maintenance Workers / (100.00%) / ($47,360)
Pipelayers / (100.00%) / ($47,330)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($47,250)
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (81.16%) / ($47,200)
Home Appliance Repairers / (100.01%) / ($47,170)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (90.27%) / ($47,110)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($47,040)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / (99.99%) / ($46,910)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / (93.41%) / ($46,900)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / (92.98%) / ($46,860)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / (92.91%) / ($46,850)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / (99.58%) / ($46,730)
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General / (98.46%) / ($46,700)
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers / (89.61%) / ($46,690)
Procurement Clerks / (67.27%) / ($46,670)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / (87.75%) / ($46,650)
Dental Assistants / (100.00%) / ($46,540)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / (81.02%) / ($46,530)
Geothermal Technicians / (100.00%) / ($46,500)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / (61.91%) / ($46,480)
Motorboat Operators / (85.14%) / ($46,420)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($46,340)
Motorcycle Mechanics / (89.26%) / ($46,270)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($46,100)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / (100.00%) / ($45,850)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / (99.68%) / ($45,850)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / (100.00%) / ($45,760)
Bus Drivers, School / (100.00%) / ($45,660)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / (98.16%) / ($45,640)
Log Graders and Scalers / (100.00%) / ($45,600)
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles / (100.00%) / ($45,570)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,560)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / (100.01%) / ($45,520)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,350)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / (45.76%) / ($45,330)
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers / (99.99%) / ($45,320)
Construction Laborers / (100.00%) / ($45,300)
Medical Equipment Preparers / (82.92%) / ($45,280)
Prepress Technicians and Workers / (94.79%) / ($45,070)
Model Makers, Wood / (85.67%) / ($45,040)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($44,980)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / (59.63%) / ($44,890)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / (99.99%) / ($44,890)
New Accounts Clerks / (100.00%) / ($44,630)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (92.88%) / ($44,620)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($44,510)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / (57.73%) / ($44,490)
Endoscopy Technicians / (100.01%) / ($44,490)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / (100.00%) / ($44,470)
Fence Erectors / (99.99%) / ($44,410)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / (100.00%) / ($44,300)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / (89.01%) / ($44,280)
Bill and Account Collectors / (78.88%) / ($44,250)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($44,240)
Opticians, Dispensing / (100.00%) / ($44,170)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / (100.00%) / ($44,140)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / (100.00%) / ($44,030)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / (89.60%) / ($43,740)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / (99.99%) / ($43,540)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / (99.03%) / ($43,310)
Potters, Manufacturing / (77.39%) / ($43,310)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / (99.49%) / ($43,270)
Skincare Specialists / (78.15%) / ($43,200)
Agricultural Technicians / (63.19%) / ($43,180)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / (60.87%) / ($43,180)
Animal Control Workers / (96.15%) / ($43,170)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / (90.92%) / ($42,800)
Upholsterers / (100.00%) / ($42,730)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (96.10%) / ($42,670)
Cooks, Private Household / (100.00%) / ($42,590)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / (93.77%) / ($42,470)
Light Truck Drivers / (100.00%) / ($42,470)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($42,420)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($42,400)
Correspondence Clerks / (88.39%) / ($42,120)
Medical Assistants / (82.53%) / ($42,000)
Printing Press Operators / (100.00%) / ($41,860)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / (100.00%) / ($41,780)
Order Clerks / (87.93%) / ($41,600)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($41,600)
Social and Human Service Assistants / (44.61%) / ($41,410)
Photographers / (81.82%) / ($40,760)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (99.99%) / ($40,640)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / (99.42%) / ($40,610)
Office Clerks, General / (99.76%) / ($40,480)
Pharmacy Technicians / (96.16%) / ($40,300)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / (98.84%) / ($40,300)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / (100.00%) / ($40,230)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / (99.36%) / ($40,200)
Etchers and Engravers / (99.99%) / ($40,040)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,850)
Furniture Finishers / (100.00%) / ($39,790)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / (89.25%) / ($39,780)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (96.57%) / ($39,740)
Psychiatric Technicians / (68.09%) / ($39,700)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / (99.99%) / ($39,690)
Customer Service Representatives / (85.79%) / ($39,680)
Tutors / (54.54%) / ($39,580)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / (89.50%) / ($39,360)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($39,340)
Library Technicians / (68.58%) / ($39,310)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,260)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / (100.00%) / ($39,250)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / (100.00%) / ($39,210)
Psychiatric Aides / (95.92%) / ($39,160)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / (100.00%) / ($38,980)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($38,940)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($38,870)
Animal Trainers / (98.25%) / ($38,810)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / (100.00%) / ($38,520)
Food Batchmakers / (99.99%) / ($38,460)
Helpers--Electricians / (98.70%) / ($38,340)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,330)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / (98.28%) / ($38,260)
Nursing Assistants / (87.36%) / ($38,200)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / (100.00%) / ($38,160)
File Clerks / (91.72%) / ($38,130)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / (100.01%) / ($38,100)
Telephone Operators / (100.00%) / ($38,080)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / (100.00%) / ($38,000)
Residential Advisors / (59.02%) / ($37,950)
Data Entry Keyers / (100.00%) / ($37,790)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / (91.17%) / ($37,720)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,660)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / (91.99%) / ($37,660)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (90.30%) / ($37,650)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / (100.00%) / ($37,650)
Tellers / (91.68%) / ($37,640)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / (82.57%) / ($37,450)
Counter and Rental Clerks / (79.75%) / ($37,400)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / (55.21%) / ($37,380)
Concierges / (90.91%) / ($37,150)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / (62.81%) / ($37,130)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($37,130)
Security Guards / (98.04%) / ($37,070)
Medical Transcriptionists / (100.00%) / ($37,060)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,040)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($37,010)
Occupational Therapy Aides / (98.20%) / ($36,970)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / (99.34%) / ($36,970)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,970)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / (100.00%) / ($36,880)
Parts Salespersons / (86.38%) / ($36,860)
Orderlies / (100.00%) / ($36,830)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / (96.96%) / ($36,750)
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers / (99.97%) / ($36,710)
Helpers--Production Workers / (92.38%) / ($36,700)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / (90.54%) / ($36,650)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,620)
Craft Artists / (86.96%) / ($36,600)
Dietetic Technicians / (93.29%) / ($36,520)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / (99.54%) / ($36,440)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / (100.00%) / ($36,370)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / (98.70%) / ($36,300)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / (82.36%) / ($36,230)
Pharmacy Aides / (100.00%) / ($36,200)
Gambling Cage Workers / (100.00%) / ($36,110)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($36,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / (100.00%) / ($35,840)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / (80.95%) / ($35,820)
Cooks, Restaurant / (99.99%) / ($35,780)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / (94.81%) / ($35,620)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($35,530)
Driver/Sales Workers / (100.00%) / ($35,420)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($35,340)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / (93.22%) / ($35,320)
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs / (99.83%) / ($35,240)
Motion Picture Projectionists / (89.90%) / ($35,160)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / (99.77%) / ($35,120)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (75.92%) / ($35,020)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / (100.00%) / ($34,910)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / (100.01%) / ($34,840)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($34,830)
Telemarketers / (100.00%) / ($34,480)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / (75.14%) / ($34,470)
Sewing Machine Operators / (99.99%) / ($34,440)
Recreation Workers / (37.90%) / ($34,410)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / (100.00%) / ($34,360)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / (100.00%) / ($34,250)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / (99.99%) / ($34,150)
Cooks, Short Order / (100.01%) / ($34,130)
Library Assistants, Clerical / (95.43%) / ($34,020)
Forest and Conservation Workers / (57.20%) / ($33,940)
Funeral Attendants / (88.97%) / ($33,850)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / (100.00%) / ($33,820)
Retail Salespersons / (96.00%) / ($33,680)
Physical Therapist Aides / (81.30%) / ($33,520)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (89.15%) / ($33,450)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / (89.23%) / ($33,450)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($33,230)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / (87.18%) / ($33,110)
Parking Attendants / (99.04%) / ($32,840)
Food Preparation Workers / (95.85%) / ($32,420)
Gambling Dealers / (100.00%) / ($32,240)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / (85.85%) / ($32,240)
Sewers, Hand / (99.48%) / ($32,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / (100.00%) / ($31,940)
Bartenders / (98.88%) / ($31,510)
Dishwashers / (100.00%) / ($31,200)
Animal Caretakers / (86.63%) / ($31,200)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / (100.00%) / ($31,180)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / (95.41%) / ($30,790)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / (98.78%) / ($30,380)
Childcare Workers / (91.29%) / ($30,370)
Nannies / (96.00%) / ($30,370)
Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($29,720)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / (99.96%) / ($29,540)
Shampooers / (100.00%) / ($29,530)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / (98.57%) / ($29,390)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / (86.88%) / ($29,220)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / (100.01%) / ($29,170)
Dancers / (100.01%) / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.

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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Description: Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
671,200
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
719,800
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
48,600 (7.2%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
57,600
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Relay complaint and emergency-request information to appropriate agency dispatchers.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Provide road information to assist motorists.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Place people in protective custody.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys' offices, or medical facilities.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Conduct community programs for all ages concerning topics such as drugs and violence.
Importance: 55 (%) Description: Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Process prisoners, and prepare and maintain records of prisoner bookings and prisoner status during booking and pre-trial process.
Importance: 53 (%) Description: Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
Importance: 47 (%) Description: Supervise law enforcement staff, such as jail staff, officers, and deputy sheriffs.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Administer first aid.
Apprehend criminal suspects.
Assist motorists or pedestrians.
Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
Detain suspects or witnesses.
Determine operational procedures.
Direct law enforcement activities.
Direct vehicle traffic.
Escort prisoners to courtrooms, prisons, or other facilities.
Guard facilities.
Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
Investigate accidents to determine causes.
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Investigate legal issues.
Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
Maintain operational records.
Maintain public order or security.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.
Patrol properties to maintain safety.
Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Present social services program information to the public.
Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
Record information about suspects or criminals.
Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
Serve court ordered documents.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Administer emergency medical treatment.
Activity: Advise others on workplace health or safety issues.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Direct legal activities.
Activity: Direct vehicle traffic.
Activity: Escort others.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Intervene in crisis situations or emergencies.
Activity: Interview people to obtain information.
Activity: Investigate criminal or legal matters.
Activity: Investigate incidents or accidents.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Maintain safety or security.
Activity: Monitor safety or security of work areas, facilities, or properties.
Activity: Notify others of emergencies or problems.
Activity: Perform court-related or other legal administrative activities.
Activity: Present information in legal proceedings.
Activity: Provide general assistance to others, such as customers, patrons, or motorists.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Record images with photographic or audiovisual equipment.
Activity: Record information about legal matters.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Database software
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
Law enforcement information databases
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
Spillman Technologies Records Management
Electronic mail software:
Email software
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcView
Graphics or photo imaging software (scroll table below):
Computer aided composite drawing software
DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
SmartDraw Legal
SmugMug Flickr
The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
Helpdesk or call center software:
Computer aided dispatch software
Internet browser software:
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Web browser software
Map creation software:
Crime mapping software
Office suite software:
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Spreadsheet software:
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 62.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 11.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 6.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 3.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Certifications
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Accident Prevention Squad Police Officer
Border Patrol Officer
Campus Police Officer
Certified Police Officer
Chief Deputy Sheriff
City Constable
Civil Division Deputy Sheriff
Community Service Officer (CSO)
Community Service Patrol Officer
Constable
Cop
County Sheriff
Court Security Deputy Sheriff
Crime Prevention Police Officer
Custody Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Certified Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff Generalist
Drug Enforcement Agent
Enforcement Officer
Federal Police Officer
Grand Jury Deputy Sheriff
Highway Patrol Officer
Highway Patrol Pilot
K-9 Deputy (Canine Deputy)
K-9 Handler (Canine Handler)
K-9 Police Officer (Canine Police Officer)
Lateral Police Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Marshal
Military Police Officer (MP Officer)
Motorcycle Police
Mounted Police
Officer
Park Police
Patrol Deputy
Patrol Deputy Sheriff
Patrol Driver
Patrol Officer
Patrol Park Officer
Patrolman
Peace Officer
Police Booking Officer
Police Corporal
Police Inspector
Police Officer
Police Park Officer
Police Patrol Officer
Police Worker
Policeman
Policewoman
Protective Officer
Public Safety Officer (PSO)
Road Deputy
Safety Instruction Police Officer
Safety Patrol Officer
Security Patrol Officer
Security Police Officer
Sheriff Department Corporal
Special Deputy
Special Deputy Sheriff
Special Police Officer
SRO (School Resource Officer)
State Highway Police Officer
State Patrol Officer
State Trooper
Town Marshal
Trooper
Under Sheriff
Uniform Patrol Police Officer
Uniformed Security Officer
University Police Officer
Working Dog Handler
Related Careers to Consider

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page