Career group

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Police, fire and investigation careers: academies, physical tests, background checks and civil service exams.

DetectiveTime: 4–7 years (police officer first, then promotion)Median pay: $93,790 per year (detectives and criminal investigators)High school diploma minimum; a college degree is often preferred and sometimes requiredHow to become a detective →FirefighterTime: 1–2 years (EMT, testing and academy)Median pay: $59,280 per yearHigh school diploma or GED plus EMT trainingHow to become a firefighter →Police OfficerTime: 6–12 months (application to sworn officer)Median pay: $76,210 per year (police and sheriff's patrol officers)High school diploma or GED; some agencies require college credits or a degreeHow to become a police officer →

Compare at a glance

CareerTimeTypical costMedian pay
Detective4–7 years (police officer first, then promotion)$0–$20,000 (mostly optional college)$93,790 per year
Firefighter1–2 years (EMT, testing and academy)$1,500–$10,000$59,280 per year
Police Officer6–12 months (application to sworn officer)$0–$8,000 (often $0 if the agency sponsors you)$76,210 per year (patrol officers)