When it comes to jobs in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security career cluster, many positions depend on work experiences more than education levels. Several Premier High Schools, located in areas where there is a high demand for workers in law, public safety, corrections, and security-related positions, offer a CTE pathway in law, public safety, corrections, and security. If you are interested in a job in this sector, getting advanced experience through a CTE program can help you get ahead in pursuing the career of your choice.
Security Guard
- Growth: 27%
- Wage: $24,826
- Openings: 19,750
- Education: Requires short-term on-the-job training. The majority of employees have at most a high school diploma or some college.
- Job Description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatcher
- Growth: 23%
- Wage: $37,461
- Openings: 1,800
- Education: Requires moderate-term on-the-job training. The majority of employees have at most a high school diploma and some college.
- Job Description: Receive calls from the public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police patrol units in the vicinity Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information to proper officials.
Fish and Game Warden
- Growth: 10%
- Wage: $56,623
- Openings: 50
- Education: Requires long-term on-the-job training. The majority of employees have some college.
- Job Description: Patrol assigned areas to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Police and Detectives
- Growth: 21%
- Wage: $70,203
- Openings: 900
- Education: Work experience in a related occupation Most employees have some college.
- Job Description: Supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Growth: 30%
- Wage: $48,801
- Openings: 5,250
- Education: Associate degree. Most employees have some college.
- Job Description: Assist lawyers by researching legal precedent investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
The information provided about a sampling of occupations within Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security is taken from the Texas Workforce Commission and provides averages that can vary with location and time spent working. When looking at a job, understanding the education level need, growth and openings will determine the wage and eligibility. Growth in an industry often means there are more opportunities for students. The number of openings can determine the wage. Even if a job does not require extensive education, but has few openings, the job can be more competitive and pay a higher wage. For more information, visit Achieve Texas’ Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Magazine.
While only five occupations are highlighted here, students can find more information at America’s Career InfoNet, Competency Model Clearinghouse, Occupational Information Network, and the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.
