First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives fall under the Protective Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median salary of $105,980 per year, ranking in the top 9% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.9% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do first-line supervisors of police and detectives earn?

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of police and detectives is $105,980. That puts first-line supervisors of police and detectives at #77 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is first-line supervisors of police and detectives a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of police and detectives is +2.9%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 160K positions in 2024 to 165K in 2034, a net change of 5K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do first-line supervisors of police and detectives do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working first-line supervisors of police and detectives, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
2. 2.Train staff in proper police work procedures.
3. 3.Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
4. 4.Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.
5. 5.Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court, as necessary.
6. 6.Meet with civic, educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.
7. 7.Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
8. 8.Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of police and detectives

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become first-line supervisors of police and detective?

Many first-line supervisors of police and detectives enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  $93,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  $92,430 median
• Transit and Railroad Police
  $82,320 median
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators
  $78,060 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
  $76,310 median
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
  $76,290 median

Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of police and detectives