What Does it Take to Be a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?
Career Description 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
- Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
- Record daily activities and submit logs and other related reports and paperwork to appropriate authorities.
- Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
- Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
- Supervise law enforcement staff, such as jail staff, officers, and deputy sheriffs.
- Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys’ offices, or medical facilities.
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Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Skills
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Patrol Deputy Sheriff
- Sheriff’s Detective
- Sheriff Officer
- Deputy Sheriff Generalist/Bailiff
- K9 Handler
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 684,200 jobs in the United States for Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 49,500 job openings in this field each year.
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
The average yearly salary of a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff ranges between $35,750 and $101,620.
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 different U.S. states?
| 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 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
How do I Become a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?
Individuals working as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff?
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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