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Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff

Life As a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff

Example of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants.

Daily Life Of a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff

  • Record daily activities and submit logs and other related reports and paperwork to appropriate authorities.
  • Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
  • Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
  • Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
  • Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys’ offices, or medical facilities.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Other Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Titles

  • Sheriff’s Officer
  • Sheriff Deputy
  • County Sheriff
  • Supervising Deputy
  • Deputy Sheriff (Generalist)-Bailiff

Job Opportunities for Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

There were about 684,200 jobs for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,700 new jobs for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff by 2026. There will be an estimated 49,500 positions for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff are Utah, Texas, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Salary

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs make between $35,750 and $101,620 a year.

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Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who work in California, New Jersey, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

How much do Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $45,930
Alaska $88,030
Arizona $64,640
Arkansas $39,560
California $101,380
Colorado $72,950
Connecticut $71,920
Delaware $70,000
District of Columbia $74,940
Florida $59,610
Georgia $42,990
Hawaii $74,040
Idaho $53,880
Illinois $75,720
Indiana $55,310
Iowa $58,340
Kansas $48,350
Kentucky $45,600
Louisiana $41,550
Maine $49,840
Maryland $68,230
Massachusetts $69,870
Michigan $56,270
Minnesota $69,060
Mississippi $35,550
Missouri $48,920
Montana $56,230
Nebraska $57,530
Nevada $70,450
New Hampshire $58,120
New Jersey $83,720
New Mexico $51,250
New York $74,860
North Carolina $48,420
North Dakota $57,190
Ohio $61,040
Oklahoma $46,120
Oregon $70,360
Pennsylvania $66,600
Rhode Island $60,890
South Carolina $42,280
South Dakota $48,550
Tennessee $44,600
Texas $61,870
Utah $53,890
Vermont $52,940
Virginia $56,710
Washington $77,670
West Virginia $43,590
Wisconsin $62,040
Wyoming $55,050

What Tools & Technology do Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Database software
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • National Crime Information Center NCIC database
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • Law enforcement information databases
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN

Becoming a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff

Individuals working as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff have obtained the following education levels:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?

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Where do Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs employed by various industries.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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