Public safety and service
How to become a police officer
Protect your community and respond to calls.
About $76,000 typical pay. Training time: Paid police academy, usually several months. How to start: Get paid while you learn.
Take the career quiz See first steps
What does a police officer do?
Police officers patrol communities, respond to calls, and investigate incidents. Departments train recruits in a paid academy, though many require applicants to be 21, so students often plan for it after a few years of work or service.
What the work is like
- Physical: Moderately physical. Some lifting and time on your feet.
- Heights: Little or no work at heights.
- Blood and medical: Occasional exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
- Schedule: Nights, weekends, long shifts, or rotations are common.
- Travel: You'll usually work close to home.
- Math: Little math beyond the basics.
Good to know: Many departments require you to be 21, so this can be a plan for a few years from now.
Steps to become a police officer
Training: Paid police academy, usually several months. You can earn while you learn.
- Ask about police explorer programs for teens.
- Keep a clean record. Background checks are strict.
- Look at criminal justice CTE classes or dual credit.
Not sure this is the one? Take the free quiz to compare it with 43 other careers.
Where police officer jobs are in demand
This career is needed in most areas. Check your local workforce office for openings near you.
Regional demand is a general guide. Check with your local workforce office for current openings.
How to pay for police officer training
Many people start this career through a paid apprenticeship or an employer who trains you, so training can cost little or nothing.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for a Pell grant. Since 2026, Workforce Pell can also cover some short programs of 8 to 15 weeks. High school CTE and dual credit classes are often free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make?
Typical pay is about $76,000, based on approximate national medians. Starting pay is usually lower, and pay varies by area and experience.
How long does it take to become a police officer?
Paid police academy, usually several months.
Can you get paid while training?
Yes. Many people in this career are paid while they train, through a paid apprenticeship, an employer who covers training, or on-the-job learning.
Do you need a college degree?
No. This career doesn't require a four-year degree.
Is there an age requirement or anything else to know?
Many departments require you to be 21, so this can be a plan for a few years from now.
Similar careers to explore
- EMT or paramedic: About $41,000 (paramedics earn more). About one semester for EMT
- Firefighter: About $59,000. Fire academy plus EMT. Many departments pay you during academy
- Military enlistment: Base pay plus free housing, meals, and healthcare. Basic training, then paid job training
Is police officer the right fit for you?
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