Protective Service Occupations
The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about protective service occupations:
Overall employment in protective service occupations is projected to grow 2 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations; though slow, the increase is expected to result in about 72,600 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 421,500 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
The median annual wage for this group was $46,590 in May 2021, which was slightly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
(Source: bls.gov)
Protective Service Jobs
Below you will find a list of positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.
| Occupation | Job Summary | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Bailiffs | Correctional officers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms. | High school diploma or equivalent | $47,920 |
| Fire Inspectors | Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. | Postsecondary educational program for EMTs | $63,080 |
| Firefighters | Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $50,700 |
| Police and Detectives | Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. | High school diploma or equivalent | $66,020 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. | High school diploma or equivalent | $59,380 |
| Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers | Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property from illegal activity. | High school diploma or equivalent | $31,470 |
(Source: bls.gov)
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic