Also called: Police Trainee, Police Cadet (Paid)
A newly hired trainee who is paid to attend the police academy before becoming a sworn officer.
Recruits spend about six months in a military-style academy learning law, defensive tactics, driving, firearms, and first aid, with early-morning physical training every day. Then they ride with a field training officer.
Paid academy salary; jumps after graduation. Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma, written and physical tests, background check, psychological exam.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS police and detectives, 2025-35.
Low risk for 10 years. VR scenario training is growing, but recruits still learn and show tactics, driving and judgment in person.
Classes: PE / strength training, Driver's ed, Psychology, Criminal justice CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3051.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.