Public Service & Safety

Public services keep the country running and its people safe, from police, fire, ambulance and defense to councils, government departments, courts and community services. Governments are the largest employers in the US, and the work spans everything from frontline emergency response to policy and administration.

It's a great fit if you want stable work, like helping people directly, and are drawn to a role with a clear purpose. You can join through an apprenticeship or a recruit program, study at community college or a four-year college, and move between agencies as your career grows.

At a glance

Job outlook
Stable
Federal, state and local agencies hire steadily, with sustained demand for first responders and social services.
Median salary
$77,000
most between $45,000 and $100,000
Roles not requiring a degree
52%
across 128 occupations
Roles and settings
128
On the front line, in the community or in an office, on shifts or nine to five.

Sources: O*NET, IPEDS / College Scorecard, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES)

Why Public Service & Safety?

Stable, well-paid work with a purpose, across the widest range of roles of any industry.

The widest range of roles
Even the entry-level roles pay well
Lots of ways in without a degree
Job security and clear career steps

Do you have any questions about Public Service & Safety? Just ask me!

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Industry outlook

Variety of roles
From paramedics and police to policy officers and rangers, there are more distinct roles here than in any other industry.
A pathway for everyone
Apply to a recruit program, start with an apprenticeship, do a associate degree, or study in college and join a graduate program.

Entry requirements

Typical GPA range: Not required for most programs; 3.0 – 3.5 GPA for degree pathways
Prerequisites: A background check for most roles; U.S. citizenship for many federal, law enforcement and military roles.
Pathways: On-the-job work, community college certificates, college degrees, or apprenticeships.
Duration: Months to years, depending on the chosen pathway.