Protective Service Workers, All Other: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Protective Service Workers, All Other fall under the Protective Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. Protective Service Workers, All Other earn a median salary of $41,600 per year, ranking in the top 81% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.5% 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 protective service workers, all other earn?

The median annual wage for protective service workers, all other is $41,600. That puts protective service workers, all other at #658 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. 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 protective service workers, all other a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for protective service workers, all other is +2.5%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 84K positions in 2024 to 86K in 2034, a net change of 2K. 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 education does my child need to become protective service workers, all other?

Many protective service workers, all other 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

• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  $105,980 median
• 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

Common questions parents ask about protective service workers, all other