You have an interest in helping others. You care about your community and want the people within it to feel secure. A public safety career may be for you. Working in the public safety field is no easy street. If you have an interest in this career path, chances are, you don’t have an interest in working at a dull, desk job. You don’t long for the typical 9-5, with a mundane routine in front of a computer. Sure, there are desk jobs for those in the public safety field. But there are also very exciting and rewarding roles beyond the cubicle.

Of course, we know that public safety is a very rewarding role. You can make a difference in the lives of others, by keeping them safe and out of harm’s way. But is it financially rewarding, as well? What is the expected public safety salary, and is there room for growth? Perhaps more importantly, is this a smart career move? Read on as we break down the public safety salary in CT and across the country, as well.

Let’s start with the basics. The field of Public Safety and Security encompasses a wide range of careers and titles that you can pursue. For example, with a Bachelor’s in Public Safety, you can pursue a role in:

• Computer Security
• Corrections
• Customs and Border Protection
• Cyber Crime Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Emergency Management
• Fire Science
• First Responders
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Law Enforcement
• Security
• Transportation Security Administration

Now, what is the pay like for some of these in-demand jobs? Let’s explore the average public safety salaries on the national and local level.

• Law Enforcement. Law enforcement careers can vary, and many of the titles above fall into this bucket. As a result, law enforcement salaries can vary, as well. On the broader level, police officers and detectives earn a median annual salary of $63,380 nationwide, according to the BLS. In Connecticut, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn an average hourly pay of $48.48, or $100,838 per year, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
• Emergency Management Directors. Nationally, Emergency Management Directors earn a median annual salary of $74,420, according to the S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But in Connecticut, they earn much more. Here in the Nutmeg State, EMDs earn an average hourly pay of $44.66, or $92,892 per year. What does it take to land this career? A bachelor’s degree.
• Fire Inspectors. The BLS reports that Fire Inspectors earn a national median salary of $60,200. Here in Connecticut, according to the state’s Department of Labor, the average hourly rate is $36.86, or an estimated $76,668 annually.
• Corrections Officers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, nationwide, Corrections Officers earn about $49,300 per year. In Connecticut, Correctional Officers can expect to make over $54,400 annually, on average.
• DEA Agents. According to the official DEA website, Drug Enforcement Agents’ salary will largely depend on their education and experience. In general, after earning a bachelor’s degree, DEA agents can expect a starting salary between $49,000 and $56,000 per year. After four years of service, these agents are eligible to progress and earn more than $90,000 annually.
• Homeland Security Salaries. If you are interested in becoming a Border Patrol Agent, or working in transportation security, the homeland security path of a Public Safety Major may be for you. You can learn about the different homeland security salaries here.

Looking Ahead in Your Public Safety Career

The future is bright for those looking to pursue a career in public safety. It’s a scary truth, but there will always be the chance of disaster and tragedy. Whether there is a natural disaster, caused by weather or environment, an attack of terrorism, or an act of violence, there is always the risk of a public emergency. Even with falling crime rates in recent years, the need for true, real-life heroes is a reality. And as long as this need exists, there will also be a need for public safety professionals. Employment of police officers, for example, is expected to grow 5 percent over the next several years, according to the BLS.

As the need for public safety professionals grows, so will the competition in the workforce. Employers today are looking for dedicated, knowledgeable, and well-trained experts to help maintain order and safety. A Public Safety program, such as the bachelor’s degree offered at Goodwin College, for example, will help launch you to your career goals. Our flexible program offers students classes during the day and in the evening. The program includes studies in grant writing, risk assessment, research methodology, policy analysis, and safety and security planning. With your degree in hand, you will be ready to jumpstart your exciting career and make a real difference in the world.

If you would like to learn more about the Public Safety program at Goodwin College, call 1-800-889-3282 to request more information, or visit us online here.