Protective Service Occupations

This group includes workers who provide public safety.

Overall employment in protective service occupations is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average; though slow, the increase is expected to result in about 72,600 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 421,500 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

Protective service occupations have a median annual wage of $46,590, which is slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

Correctional Officers and Bailiffs

Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.

Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met.

Firefighters

Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment.

Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of crimes.

Private Detectives and Investigators

Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people’s backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.

Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers

Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity.

Additional Protective Service Occupations

Animal Control Workers

Animal Control Workers handle animals to investigate possible mistreatment and control abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

Crossing Guards and Flaggers

Crossing guards and flaggers guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at places such as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force.

Miscellaneous First-line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers

All protective service supervisors not listed separately.

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

Parking Enforcement Workers

Parking Enforcement Workers patrol assigned area, such as public parking lots or city streets, to issue tickets to overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.

School Bus Monitors and Protective Service Workers (all other)

All protective service workers not listed separately.

Transportation Security Screeners

Transportation Security Screeners conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration regulations.

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