Employment of protective service occupations is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations, which will result in about 158,200 new jobs.
Protective service occupations have a median annual wage of $38,660, which is slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,040.
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 examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators, another type of worker in this field, determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess outdoor fire hazards in public and residential areas.
Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk.
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
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 gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity.
Animal Control Workers handle animals to investigate possible mistreatment and control abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Crossing Guards guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at places such as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.
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 directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force.
All protective service supervisors not listed separately.
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 patrol assigned area, such as public parking lots or city streets, to issue tickets to overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.
All protective service workers not listed separately.
Transportation Security Screeners conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration regulations.
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