Overview: Distinct Groups (22): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes330000.htm |
The Protective Service occupation profiles compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in May 2016 and modified in March 2017) include specific information about 22 distinct occupational job types.
Explore the qualifications and nature of each job type through links on this page and throughout the site.
Of these job types, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has designated the following as having a “Bright Outlook” status, meaning they are projected to display “Rapid Growth” and/or “Numerous Job Openings” during the period between 2016-2026. “Rapid Growth” means the category is projected to grow faster than average (employment increase of 10% or more), and “Numerous Job Openings” is defined as projected to have 100,000 or more job openings during this time period.
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | Rapid Growth | Video |
Private Detectives and Investigators | Rapid Growth | Video |
Security Guards | Numerous Job Openings | Video |
Fast Facts: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) estimates that 3,386,360 are employed in this occupational group earning the “mean annual wage” (as defined below) of $45,810.
If you are interested in assessing long-term trends and comparing the Bureau’s annual surveys beginning in 1988 see here.
In general, the “mean” is the sum of the total values (e.g., wages) in the data set or survey divided by number of values (while the “median” is the middle value in same the sequence. The term “mean annual wage” (or “MAW”) is calculated by multiplying the mean hourly wage as determined by the BLS by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours. So, for example, the Protective Service group’s mean hourly wage of $22.024, multiplied by 2,080, results in the mean annual wage of $45,810.
Did you know? Hanford-Corcoran, CA is both the most concentrated and highest paying metropolitan area for this occupation with 91.14 per 1,000 jobs being paid an annual mean wage of $74,230. In all, California has eight of the top ten paying metro areas. California (Hanford-Corcoran and El Centro, CA) and Arizona (Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ and Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ) have the most metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs with two apiece in the Top 10.
Highest Paid (mean annual wage) |
Lowest Paid (from the lowest)
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For the entire list of mean annual wages for this occupation (from highest to lowest), see here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.