911 Dispatcher
Answer emergency calls and send police, fire and medical help.
- $53,040/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- 3–6 months
Career field
Public Safety & Security Careers
Respond, protect and serve, in communities, buildings and emergencies.
Public safety and security careers attract people who want work that matters and are comfortable making decisions under pressure. Police officers and firefighters serve communities through government agencies, while security officers protect people and property for businesses of every kind.
Hiring processes are thorough: expect written exams, physical fitness tests, background investigations and academy training. Pay and benefits, including pensions in many public agencies, tend to rise steadily with rank and years of service.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
15 public safety careers
Animal Control Officer
Protect people and animals by enforcing animal laws and rescuing animals in need.
- $45,660/yr median
- +4.0% growth
- 1–3 months
Bailiff
Keep courtrooms safe, orderly and running on schedule.
- $56,600/yr median
- -1.9% growth
- 1–6 months
Correctional Officer
Keep order and safety inside jails and prisons.
- $58,940/yr median
- -7.4% growth
- 2–4 months (academy)
Detective
Investigate crimes, gather evidence and build cases that hold up in court.
- $93,790/yr median
- +0.2% growth
- 3–5 years as a police officer
Emergency Management Director
Plan for disasters and lead communities through emergencies and recovery.
- $93,330/yr median
- +3.9% growth
- Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of experience
Firefighter
Respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and hazmat incidents.
- $59,280/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- 6–12 months (EMT + academy)
Fish and Game Warden
Enforce wildlife, hunting, fishing and boating laws in the outdoors.
- $74,060/yr median
- -5.7% growth
- 4 years plus academy
Lifeguard
Watch over swimmers and respond fast to prevent drownings.
- $33,580/yr median
- +5.5% growth
- 1–2 weeks
Police Officer
Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.
- $76,210/yr median
- +3.5% growth
- 6–12 months (academy + field training)
Private Investigator
Find facts, people and evidence for clients, lawyers and businesses.
- $51,220/yr median
- +5.5% growth
- 1–3 years of experience
Probation Officer
Supervise people on probation or parole and help them rebuild their lives.
- $66,270/yr median
- +3.0% growth
- 4 years plus agency training
Security Guard
Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.
- $38,020/yr median
- +0.9% growth
- Days to 2 weeks
Security Supervisor
Lead security officers and keep sites, people and property protected.
- $55,940/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- 1–3 years of security experience
Transportation Security Officer
Screen passengers and bags to keep air travel safe.
- $66,770/yr median
- -4.2% growth
- 2–4 weeks
Compare public safety careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detective | $93,790 | +0.2% | 3–5 years as a police officer | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 2 | Emergency Management Director | $93,330 | +3.9% | Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Police Officer | $76,210 | +3.5% | 6–12 months (academy + field training) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 4 | Fish and Game Warden | $74,060 | -5.7% | 4 years plus academy | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Transportation Security Officer | $66,770 | -4.2% | 2–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Probation Officer | $66,270 | +3.0% | 4 years plus agency training | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Firefighter | $59,280 | +3.7% | 6–12 months (EMT + academy) | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 8 | Correctional Officer | $58,940 | -7.4% | 2–4 months (academy) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Bailiff | $56,600 | -1.9% | 1–6 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Security Supervisor | $55,940 | +3.7% | 1–3 years of security experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | 911 Dispatcher | $53,040 | +3.7% | 3–6 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Private Investigator | $51,220 | +5.5% | 1–3 years of experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | Animal Control Officer | $45,660 | +4.0% | 1–3 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Security Guard | $38,020 | +0.9% | Days to 2 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Lifeguard | $33,580 | +5.5% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
Getting hired in public safety
Keep your record clean and start a fitness routine now: background and physical tests are pass/fail gates.
What affects pay in this field
- Agency size and local government budgets
- Rank, seniority and specialty assignments
- Overtime, shift differentials and court time
- State licensing and armed-guard credentials for security work
Find your fit
Take the Public Safety & Security career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Public Safety & Security careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying public safety career on this list?
Detective has the highest median pay among our public safety profiles at $93,790 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which public safety career is fastest to start?
Lifeguard typically takes about 1–2 weeks of training.
Which public safety career is growing fastest?
Lifeguard, with projected growth of +5.5% from 2025–35 (faster than average).
How do I choose the right public safety career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Public Safety & Security career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.