Police and sheriff's patrol officers
BLS projects employment of police and sheriff's patrol officers to change by +3.5% from 2025 to 2035, the same as the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 51,500 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $76,210 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $76,210 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 693,200 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 717,300 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +3.5% (+24,200) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 51,500 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do police and sheriff's patrol officers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $76,210 for police and sheriff's patrol officers in 2025.
What is the job outlook for police and sheriff's patrol officers?
BLS projects employment to change by +3.5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 51,500 openings per year on average.
What education do police and sheriff's patrol officers need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training.