People leave the law enforcement career path for various reasons, especially police officers. They have one of the most stressful jobs, both on the mind and body. They work incredibly long hours and put themselves in harm’s way daily to help others. Over time, this job can become draining. It eventually comes to a point where you have quit up the job or suffer from burnout. Luckily, you don’t have to worry that your police training was all for nothing. There are numerous jobs available that require law enforcement experience but don’t require nearly as many working hours or stress as a police officer.
1. Court Clerk
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $26,000. Median annual salary $34,043. Top 10% earn $43,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 5% by 2029 (faster than average)
Court Clerks aren’t the most talked about, but they are one of the most important roles in the judicial system. They’re responsible for keeping legal proceedings moving. They handle the administrative duties within a courthouse. As a court clerk, you’d prepare dockets each day, record any depositions, or process court fee payments and paperwork.
Transferable Skills:
- High attention to detail
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, and court procedures
- IT skills
2. Victim Advocate
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $29,000. Median annual salary $42,866. Top 10% earn $63,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 8% by 2029 (faster than average)
Victim advocates are specially trained to provide support to victims of a crime. They will offer them emotional support, inform them of their rights, help find resources, and assist in filing paperwork related to the crime. Some advocates will accompany victims and their families should they need to for court or law proceedings. They might also assist in the crisis hotlines and intervention.
Transferable Skills:
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Exceptional communication skills
- Ability to listen and be empathetic
3. Loss Prevention Specialist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $23,500. Median annual salary $36,062. Top 10% earn $51,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% (as fast as average)
Loss prevention specialists protect a store from theft. Stores often have a backroom where they keep security cameras. You would be responsible for checking the surveillance devices, maintaining them, and the installation. You will monitor store operations and track business or financial transactions from a database. Coordination with police happens when you have a theft case or other complications.
Transferable Skills:
- High attention to detail
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent written skills
- Basic IT skills
4. Forensic Accountant
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $50,500. Median annual salary $86,267. Top 10% earn $133,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Forensic accountants perform audits and investigate fraud. These types of accountants often get called to the stand to testify. As a forensic accountant, you will audit financial records or documents to uncover fraud, document bookkeeping practices that seem fraudulent and discuss the findings with law enforcement. You may even work with them when it comes to evidence review.
Transferable Skills:
- Organizational skills
- Detail-orientated
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Math skills
- Analytical skills
5. Fire Inspectors
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $45,500. Median annual salary $62,120. Top 10% earn $94,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 8% by 2029 (faster than average)
Fire investigators collect evidence when one the scene. They look for any potential accelerants and determine the cause of a fire. They may choose to interview any witnesses, assist in identifying the offenders of arson, and arrest suspects. Frequently, they testify in court as an expert witness and work closely with a prosecutor to build a case in insurance fraud or suspicion of arson cases.
Transferable Skills:
- Detail-orientated
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong math skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of fires and construction
6. Correctional Officer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $27,000. Median annual wage $46,382. Top 10% earn $83,030 as of April 2021.
Job Growth: 7% by 2026 (faster than average)
Correctional officers are responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order in prisons or jails. They perform inspections on the cells to make sure no safety or security protocols are broken. They adhere to strict guidelines as to what constitutes a forbidden item in the cell. COs supervise inmates while they eat, during recreation time, and diffuse any disputes between inmates to maintain order.
Transferable Skills:
- Patience
- Interpersonal skills
- Physical strength
- Self discipline
7. Fitness Trainer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $30,866. Median annual salary $40,500. Top 10% earn $89,618 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 15% (much faster than average)
Fitness trainers lead, motivate, and instruct those who want to exercise but need assistance. Someone may hire a fitness trainer to teach them proper techniques for strength training or how to stretch. Others may need a motivational boost or military-style training to ensure they complete a workout. As a fitness trainer, you need to have patience when dealing with customers at lower fitness levels or older.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Patience
- Organizational skills
- Sales skills
- Physically fit
8. Deputy Sheriff
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $33,212. Median annual salary $42,297. Top 10% earn $55,986 as of April 2021
Job Growth: 5% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Deputy sheriffs patrol the areas they’re assigned to prevent crime, inspect illegal activities, and arrest offenders. Many sheriff deputies supervise detainees in the county jail, prepare documents for court, and respond to emergencies. These situations can include car accidents, fires, medical emergencies, or missing person cases. Deputy sheriffs also supervise law enforcement staff and submit paperwork on their work and daily activities.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong communication, both written and oral skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision-making
- Analytical skills
9. Private Investigator
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $23,500. Median annual salary $45,539. Top 10% earn $73,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 8% by 2029 (much faster than average)
A private investigator doesn’t typically work for law enforcement and works for themselves. They get clients for a range of crimes and issues from murder, missing persons, to a cheating spouse. The investigator collects and analyzes facts to make a case. They may even work to deliver subpoenas or tack down someone who owes a debt.
Transferable Skills:
- High attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Knowledge of local laws and regulations
- IT skills
10. Security Guard
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $23,000. Median annual salary $27,756. Top 10% earn $39,500 as of April 2021.
Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Security guards perform a variety of functions at their job. Their main functions involve patrolling their assigned section or area. They check the surveillance equipment to see who’s coming onto the premises and leaving. They restrain any trespassers until the authorities arrive. If suspicions are met, they might choose to interview a witness and keep documentation on them.
Transferable Skills:
- Basic IT skills
- High attention to detail
- Critical thinking skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Knowledge of security operations and procedures
11. Defense Consultant
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $20,000. Median annual salary $76,918. Top 10% earn $157,500 as of April 2021.
Job Growth: 11% by 2029 (faster than average)
Consultants on the defense side work to provide expert opinions. They perform analysis and recommendations to the person or business they’re consulting for based on their own expertise. Their main aim is to fix and protect. Their job is to come up with strategies to prevent any future problems and improve existing issues.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Detail-orientated
- Creativity and innovation skills
- Time management skills
- Knowledge of security and defense protocols
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
12. Acting/Comedy
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $20,000. Median annual salary $57,937. Top 10% earn $82,394 as of April 2021.
Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (as fast as average)
While it may seem like a stretch, you can change your path to one of entertainment. For example, you may have come across some interesting people and crazy cases while on the job as a police officer. Depending on the subject matter, it can make an entertaining or comedic story. On the other side, you have the knowledge and attitude of a cop (you were one, after all), making transitioning into an acting job easier. Most people have to act the part, you already played the part in real life!
Transferable Skills:
- Creativity skills
- Weapons/self-defense training
- Teamwork skills
- Exceptional verbal, reading, and speaking skills
- Physical stamina to work long hours and on your feet
13. Cybersecurity Analyst
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $53,000. Median annual salary $77,000. Top 10% earn $117,000 as of April 2021.
Job Growth: 31% by 2029 (much faster than average)
Cybersecurity analysts are extremely important to an organization. They’re responsible for planning and implementing the security measures on the network and servers. They keep a close watch on the security system and prevent breaches. If a breach or vulnerability should appear, they work quickly to solve the problem and secure the data. Former police officers might love the thrill of preventing or stopping an attack without having to put themselves in harm’s way.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent IT skills (coding and hacking especially)
- High attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Knowledge of the latest security concepts and technology
14. Park Ranger
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $26,000. Median annual salary $40,000. Top 10% earn $61,000 as of March 2021.
Job Growth: 0% by 2029 (little to no change)
Instead of guarding people, like you would as a police officer; you’d guard natural resources instead. You’d be responsible for state, national parks, or forests. They create educational and programs to teach those who wish to explore these natural areas. At times, they act as tour guides and show visitors historic features. You might even plan events in addition to keeping the visitors and environment safe.
Transferable Skills:
- Interpersonal skills
- Physical stamina
- Analytic skills
- Critical thinking skills
15. Realtor
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $22,750. Median annual salary $51,220. Top 10% earn $111,800 as of July 2020.
Job Growth: 2% by 2029 (slower than average)
Realtors work with buyers and sellers. They take them through each step of the process. As a realtor, you would provide advice and guidance on how to buy or sell a property. Realtors will set up listings, set appointments to view properties (or showings), and work with mortgage professionals to get you a better rate.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Patience and active listening skills
- IT skills
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the job options for retired police officers?
Many jobs exist for retired police officers. As you age, it becomes harder to stick with the job. Luckily, you can stay in a similar field by becoming a bounty hunter, bodyguard, private investigator, security guard, corporate security manager, or public safety officer. Some choose to leave the field completely and may want to become a psychologist, pilot, mediator, or teacher.
What are the side gig ideas for law enforcement?
One of the most common side jobs for police officers is event security. Another is a volunteer firefighter or private investigator. Some choose to deviate from law completely and work construction or landscaping.
What are the work from home criminal justice careers?
Plenty of jobs exist for those who want to work in criminal justice but from home. You can work as a remote law enforcement transcriptionist, claims investigator, background investigator, or criminal justice course writer to name a few!
Final Thoughts
If you have started to wonder whether you can keep up with your job as a police officer, don’t worry! You can leave law enforcement for a new career without concern that you wasted your years and training. Many jobs benefit from the experience you gained and make it easier to transition to a new career. When you leave your career, it can be scary and uncomfortable at first. However, once you decide to finally move forward with your new career, it doesn’t seem as scary as it did initially.
