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Addictions Counseling Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Addictions Counseling Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people drawn to behavioral health who want direct, one-on-one client work in recovery settings. Use the tools below to see which addictions counseling roles fit your background and goals.

This field requires state-specific licensure (hours of supervised clinical practice plus an exam) before someone can practice independently. Use the tools below to explore Addictions Counseling-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Substance Abuse Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Licensed Addiction Counselor or Program Director. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CADC or state equivalent), that can help you move up the career ladder.



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 to (1) Select from Addictions Counseling careers/jobs, (2) Find Addictions Counseling job listings, (3) Prepare for Addictions Counseling careers, and (4) Provide Addictions Counseling career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Addictions Counseling careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Addictions Counseling Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Addictions Counseling careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Addictions Counseling, so relevant Addictions Counseling jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Addictions Counseling Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Addictions Counseling Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Addictions Counseling careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 92 Addictions Counseling Jobs.
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 job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title 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 chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links 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. Can also assist with coffee chats.
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/Job

20 Addictions Counseling careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Nurse Practitioners 52.2% Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 52.2% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Medical and Health Services Managers 32.5% Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 32.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 24.3% Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.3% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Community Health Workers 21% Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 21% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Social and Human Service Assistants 16.6% Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 16.6% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 14.9% Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 14.9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other 13.3% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 13.3% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Psychiatric Technicians 12.8% Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.8% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatrists 12.5% Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 10.6% Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.6% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 10.5% Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupation: Healthcare Support Workers, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 9% EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Counselors, All Other 8.9% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Counselors, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 8.4% Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.4% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Psychiatric Aides 7.4% Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 7.2% Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.2% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 7% EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors 6.1% EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.1% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Social Workers, All Other 5.8% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Social Workers, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 5% De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer

26 Addictions Counseling careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Psychiatrists $ 239,200+ Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists National Median Salary: $ 239,200+ Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Preventive Medicine Physicians $ 236,000 Environmental Health Physician
Occupation: Preventive Medicine Physicians National Median Salary: $ 236,000 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Physician
Compliance Managers $ 133,560 Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Occupation: Compliance Managers National Median Salary: $ 133,560 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Nurse Practitioners $ 126,260 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners National Median Salary: $ 126,260 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Medical and Health Services Managers $ 110,680 Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers National Median Salary: $ 110,680 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $ 105,650 Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 105,650 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $ 103,690 EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 103,690 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $ 96,100 Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Occupation: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists National Median Salary: $ 96,100 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses $ 86,070 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $ 81,140 EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists National Median Salary: $ 81,140 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $ 78,980 Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health National Median Salary: $ 78,980 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Environmental Compliance Inspectors $ 75,670 Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Occupation: Environmental Compliance Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 75,670 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $ 72,280 Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers National Median Salary: $ 72,280 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Social Workers, All Other $ 63,770 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Social Workers, All Other National Median Salary: $ 63,770 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $ 57,920 EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians National Median Salary: $ 57,920 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $ 55,960 Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 55,960 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $ 50,660 Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health National Median Salary: $ 50,660 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $ 49,690 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other National Median Salary: $ 49,690 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Community Health Workers $ 48,200 Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers National Median Salary: $ 48,200 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $ 48,120 De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders National Median Salary: $ 48,120 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $ 47,470 Environmental Health Technician
Occupation: Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other National Median Salary: $ 47,470 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Technician
Counselors, All Other $ 46,130 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Counselors, All Other National Median Salary: $ 46,130 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $ 44,490 Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupation: Healthcare Support Workers, All Other National Median Salary: $ 44,490 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Social and Human Service Assistants $ 41,410 Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants National Median Salary: $ 41,410 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Psychiatric Technicians $ 39,700 Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians National Median Salary: $ 39,700 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatric Aides $ 39,160 Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides National Median Salary: $ 39,160 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)

25 Addictions Counseling careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Nurse Practitioners 5 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors 5 Addiction Counselor; Addiction Recovery Specialist; Addiction Therapist; Addictions Counselor; Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Alcoholic Counselor; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor; CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor); Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC); Certified Alcohol Counselor; Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC); Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC); Certified Drug Counselor; Drug Abuse Counselor; Drug and Alcohol Therapist; Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS); Drug Counselor; Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor; Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Occupation: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Counselor; Addiction Recovery Specialist; Addiction Therapist; Addictions Counselor; Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Alcoholic Counselor; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor; CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor); Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC); Certified Alcohol Counselor; Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC); Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC); Certified Drug Counselor; Drug Abuse Counselor; Drug and Alcohol Therapist; Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS); Drug Counselor; Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor; Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Psychiatrists 5 Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Preventive Medicine Physicians 5 Environmental Health Physician
Occupation: Preventive Medicine Physicians Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Physician
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 5 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Mental Health Counselors 5 Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC); Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Counselor; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Program Specialist; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Therapist; Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
Occupation: Mental Health Counselors Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC); Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Counselor; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Program Specialist; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Therapist; Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 5 Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 5 Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Occupation: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Compliance Managers 4 Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Occupation: Compliance Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten 4 Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher
Occupation: Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School 4 Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Occupation: Special Education Teachers, Elementary School Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Social and Human Service Assistants 4 Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Community Health Workers 4 Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors 4 EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 4 EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Environmental Compliance Inspectors 4 Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Occupation: Environmental Compliance Inspectors Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 4 Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 4 Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Medical and Health Services Managers 4 Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 3 Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 3 EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Psychiatric Technicians 3 Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatric Aides 2 Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides Education/Preparation: 2 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 2 De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Education/Preparation: 2 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 92 specific Addictions Counseling job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Addiction Counselor
Addiction Psychiatrist
Addiction Recovery Specialist
Addiction Therapist
Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor Assistant
Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Alcoholic Counselor
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor
Alcoholism Worker
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS)
CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC)
Certified Alcohol Counselor
Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC)
Certified Drug Counselor
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
Community Mental Health Social Worker
Community Mental Health Worker
De-Alcoholizer
Drug Abuse Counselor
Drug and Alcohol Therapist
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS)
Drug Counselor
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor
EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator)
EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern)
EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer)
EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist)
Environmental Health Aide
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator)
Environmental Health and Safety Director
Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer)
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech)
Environmental Health Inspector
Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Environmental Health Physician
Environmental Health Sanitarian
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Technician
Environmental Health Technologist
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Advocate
Mental Health Aide (MHA)
Mental Health Aides Teacher
Mental Health Assistant
Mental Health Associate
Mental Health Case Manager
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Consultant
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Nurse
Mental Health Orderly
Mental Health Physician
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Professional
Mental Health Program Assistant
Mental Health Program Manager
Mental Health Program Specialist
Mental Health Provider
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Specialist
Mental Health Technician (MHT)
Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Mental Health Worker
Mental Health Worker (MHW)
MHA (Mental Health Assistant)
MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

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


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Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





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: 100 (%) 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: 100 (%) Description: Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Place people in protective custody.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Relay complaint and emergency-request information to appropriate agency dispatchers.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Provide road information to assist motorists.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Conduct community programs for all ages concerning topics such as drugs and violence.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys' offices, or medical facilities.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
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: 55 (%) Description: Supervise law enforcement staff, such as jail staff, officers, and deputy sheriffs.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Process prisoners, and prepare and maintain records of prisoner bookings and prisoner status during booking and pre-trial process.
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: 95 (%) 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: 93 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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: 89 (%) 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: 89 (%) 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: 89 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 87 (%) 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: 86 (%) 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: 85 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 84 (%) 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: 82 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 82 (%) 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: 81 (%) 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: 80 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 75 (%) 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: 74 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 73 (%) 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: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 69 (%) 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: 67 (%) 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: 66 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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: 95 (%) 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: 94 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 83 (%) 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: 80 (%) 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: 78 (%) 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: 74 (%) 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: 68 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 68 (%) 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: 67 (%) 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: 66 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 65 (%) 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: 61 (%) 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: 60 (%) 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: 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: 64 (%) 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: 62 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) 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: 64 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
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.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 40.4 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 21.3 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 17.1 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 14.7 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 6.6 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
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: 47.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 22.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 12.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 8.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 1.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Certifications
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Accident Prevention Squad Police Officer
Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Animal Cop
Border Guard
Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Officer
Campus Police Officer
Canine Deputy (K-9 Deputy)
Canine Handler (K-9 Handler)
Canine Police Officer (K-9 Police Officer)
Certified Police Officer
City Constable
City Marshal
Civil Division Deputy Sheriff
Civil Process Server
Community Service Officer (CSO)
Community Service Patrol Officer
Complaint Evaluation Officer
Constable
Cop
County Sheriff
Court Security Deputy Sheriff
Crime Prevention Police Officer
Custody Deputy Sheriff
Customs Patrol Officer
Deputy
Deputy Certified Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Sheriff Generalist
Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant
Desk Officer
Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer (DARE Officer)
Drug Enforcement Agent
Enforcement Officer
Federal Police Officer
Grand Jury Deputy Sheriff
Highway Patrol Officer
Highway Patrol Pilot
Immigration Guard
Lateral Police Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Specialist
Marshal
Military Police Officer
Motorcycle Police
Mounted Police
Officer
Park Police
Patrol Deputy
Patrol Deputy Sheriff
Patrol Driver
Patrol Officer
Patrol Park Officer
Patrolman
Peace Officer
Physical Security Specialist
Police Booking Officer
Police Corporal
Police Inspector
Police Officer
Police Park Officer
Police Patrol Officer
Police Recruit
Police Worker
Policeman
Policewoman
Protective Officer
Protective Service Specialist
Public Safety Officer
Road Deputy
Safety Instruction Police Officer
Safety Patrol Officer
School Resource Officer (SRO)
Security Patrol Officer
Security Police Officer
Security Specialist
Sheriff Department Corporal
Sheriff's Deputy
Sheriff's Detective
Sheriff's Officer
Sheriff's Sergeant
Special Deputy
Special Deputy Sheriff
Special Police Officer
State Highway Police Officer
State Patrol Officer
State Trooper
SWAT Team Member (Special Weapons and Tactics Team Member)
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

This section contains detailed external 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.






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