Law Enforcement
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Detective / Criminal Investigator SOC 33-3021 | 48,780 | $78,280 |
| Campus / University Police Officer SOC 33-3051 | 583,600 | $75,780 |
| Deputy Sheriff SOC 33-3051 | 583,600 | $75,780 |
| Police Officer SOC 33-3051 | 583,600 | $75,780 |
| School Resource Officer SOC 33-3051 | 583,600 | $75,780 |
| Transit Police Officer SOC 33-3051 | 583,600 | $75,780 |
| Crime Scene Investigator / Forensic Technician SOC 19-4092 | 12,620 | $70,030 |
| Parking Enforcement Officer SOC 33-3041 | 7,470 | $47,320 |
| Animal Control Officer SOC 33-9011 | 11,080 | $45,520 |
| Community Service Officer (civilian police) SOC 33-9099 | 40,570 | $42,890 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Fire & Rescue
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Battalion Chief / Fire Chief SOC 33-1021 | 91,900 | $94,490 |
| Fire Captain / Lieutenant SOC 33-1021 | 91,900 | $94,490 |
| Fire / Arson Investigator SOC 33-2021 | 10,010 | $77,300 |
| Fire Inspector / Fire Marshal SOC 33-2021 | 10,010 | $77,300 |
| Fire Engineer / Driver-Operator SOC 33-2011 | 302,670 | $59,850 |
| Firefighter SOC 33-2011 | 302,670 | $59,850 |
| Firefighter/Paramedic SOC 33-2011 | 302,670 | $59,850 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Emergency Medical Services
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Paramedic (public EMS) SOC 29-2043 | 42,640 | $61,740 |
| EMT (public EMS) SOC 29-2042 | 48,360 | $45,530 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Emergency Communications & Management
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Specialist SOC 11-9161 | 7,770 | $85,470 |
| 911 Dispatcher / Public Safety Telecommunicator SOC 43-5031 | 82,690 | $53,880 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Corrections, Probation & Parole
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Probation Officer SOC 21-1092 | 41,910 | $70,260 |
| Detention Officer (county jail) SOC 33-3012 | 157,170 | $58,500 |
| Juvenile Corrections / Detention Officer SOC 33-3012 | 157,170 | $58,500 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Courts & Legal
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Attorney (agency counsel) SOC 23-1011 | 68,230 | $131,590 |
| Prosecutor / Assistant District Attorney SOC 23-1011 | 68,230 | $131,590 |
| Public Defender SOC 23-1011 | 68,230 | $131,590 |
| Judge / Magistrate SOC 23-1023 | 10,900 | $102,460 |
| Court Reporter (official) SOC 27-3092 | 4,730 | $78,430 |
| Victim Advocate SOC 21-1099 | 30,150 | $62,080 |
| Court Interpreter SOC 27-3091 | 11,920 | $60,070 |
| Court Officer / Bailiff SOC 33-3011 | 11,340 | $48,580 |
| Court Clerk SOC 43-4031 | 129,600 | $47,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Transit & Transportation
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Train Operator (subway / light rail) SOC 53-4041 | 8,090 | $90,140 |
| Conductor (transit / commuter rail) SOC 53-4031 | 3,790 | $80,000 |
| Transit Bus Mechanic SOC 49-3031 | 38,600 | $65,420 |
| Bus Operator (public transit) SOC 53-3052 | 87,870 | $64,590 |
| Traffic Signal Technician SOC 53-6041 | 4,400 | $60,700 |
| Highway / Road Maintenance Worker (DOT) SOC 47-4051 | 110,300 | $49,500 |
| Station Agent / Transit Customer Service SOC 53-6099 | 1,040 | $47,180 |
| Toll Collector SOC 53-6099 | 1,040 | $47,180 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Public Works & Utilities
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Engineer (public facilities) SOC 51-8021 | 5,710 | $102,550 |
| Lineworker (public power utility) SOC 49-9051 | 13,150 | $90,060 |
| Fleet Mechanic (city/county) SOC 49-3031 | 38,600 | $65,420 |
| Water / Wastewater Treatment Operator SOC 51-8031 | 95,100 | $60,300 |
| Sewer / Collection System Worker SOC 47-4071 | 6,670 | $55,860 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator (government) SOC 47-2073 | 65,020 | $52,080 |
| Public Works / Street Maintenance Worker SOC 47-4051 | 110,300 | $49,500 |
| Sanitation Worker / Refuse Collector SOC 53-7081 | 43,730 | $47,020 |
| Utility Meter Reader SOC 43-5041 | 9,360 | $46,010 |
| Parks / Grounds Maintenance Worker SOC 37-3011 | 100,310 | $40,190 |
| Custodian (schools & public buildings) SOC 37-2011 | 408,450 | $39,040 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
K-12 Public Schools
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Principal SOC 11-9032 | 262,350 | $107,990 |
| Principal SOC 11-9032 | 262,350 | $107,990 |
| School Superintendent SOC 11-9032 | 262,350 | $107,990 |
| School Psychologist SOC 19-3034 | 52,860 | $95,530 |
| School Nurse SOC 29-1141 | 279,580 | $85,420 |
| School Speech-Language Pathologist SOC 29-1127 | 73,490 | $83,690 |
| Instructional Coach / Coordinator SOC 25-9031 | 103,320 | $81,810 |
| School Counselor SOC 21-1012 | 177,550 | $77,020 |
| ESL / ELL Teacher SOC 25-2031 | 901,420 | $74,190 |
| High School Teacher SOC 25-2031 | 901,420 | $74,190 |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist SOC 25-4022 | 93,090 | $68,420 |
| School Social Worker SOC 21-1021 | 140,760 | $67,310 |
| Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher SOC 25-2032 | 105,510 | $66,160 |
| Special Education Teacher SOC 25-2052 | 245,110 | $65,380 |
| Middle School Teacher SOC 25-2022 | 545,580 | $65,290 |
| Elementary School Teacher SOC 25-2021 | 1,213,680 | $65,250 |
| Public School Teacher (hub) SOC 25-2021 | 1,213,680 | $65,250 |
| Kindergarten Teacher SOC 25-2012 | 92,840 | $63,890 |
| Public Pre-K Teacher SOC 25-2011 | 60,090 | $60,470 |
| School Secretary / Office Manager SOC 43-6014 | 330,370 | $48,240 |
| School Bus Driver SOC 53-3051 | 238,540 | $46,480 |
| Substitute Teacher SOC 25-3031 | 375,810 | $43,390 |
| Crossing Guard SOC 33-9091 | 40,440 | $38,100 |
| Paraprofessional / Teacher Aide SOC 25-9045 | 1,091,630 | $36,970 |
| School Cafeteria / Food Service Worker SOC 35-2012 | 135,240 | $35,810 |
| School Bus Monitor / Aide SOC 33-9094 | 36,450 | $34,440 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Public Colleges & Universities
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Adjunct Professor SOC 25-1199 | 32,830 | $82,290 |
| Community College Instructor SOC 25-1199 | 32,830 | $82,290 |
| Academic Advisor SOC 21-1012 | 177,550 | $77,020 |
| Admissions Counselor SOC 21-1012 | 177,550 | $77,020 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Public Health & Government Healthcare
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Nurse SOC 29-1141 | 279,580 | $85,420 |
| Public Health Nurse SOC 29-1141 | 279,580 | $85,420 |
| Health Inspector / Environmental Health Specialist SOC 19-2041 | 12,290 | $81,520 |
| Epidemiologist SOC 19-1041 | 2,900 | $80,860 |
| Death Investigator / Coroner SOC 13-1199 | 79,480 | $79,690 |
| Community Health Worker SOC 21-1094 | 14,210 | $56,660 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Social & Human Services
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Child Support Officer SOC 13-1199 | 79,480 | $79,690 |
| Adult Protective Services Worker SOC 21-1021 | 140,760 | $67,310 |
| Child Protective Services (CPS) Caseworker SOC 21-1021 | 140,760 | $67,310 |
| Social Worker (government) SOC 21-1021 | 140,760 | $67,310 |
| Veterans Service Officer SOC 21-1099 | 30,150 | $62,080 |
| Eligibility Worker / Benefits Specialist SOC 43-4061 | 55,610 | $58,750 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Inspection, Regulation & Revenue
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Auditor SOC 13-2011 | 71,340 | $79,930 |
| Building Inspector SOC 47-4011 | 53,920 | $73,990 |
| Code Enforcement Officer SOC 47-4011 | 53,920 | $73,990 |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector SOC 13-1041 | 38,040 | $69,520 |
| Property / Tax Assessor & Appraiser SOC 13-2020 | 27,290 | $64,370 |
| IRS Revenue Agent / Tax Examiner SOC 13-2081 | 11,240 | $57,610 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Administration, Finance & IT
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| City / County Manager SOC 11-1021 | 89,810 | $131,410 |
| Policy / Management Analyst SOC 13-1111 | 37,850 | $100,830 |
| Budget Analyst SOC 13-2031 | 7,630 | $85,610 |
| GIS Analyst / Specialist SOC 17-1021 | 5,850 | $82,200 |
| Accountant (government) SOC 13-2011 | 71,340 | $79,930 |
| Grants Specialist / Manager SOC 13-1199 | 79,480 | $79,690 |
| Contract / Procurement Specialist SOC 13-1020 | 22,010 | $77,950 |
| IT Specialist (government) SOC 15-1299 | 13,290 | $77,050 |
| Public Information Officer SOC 27-3031 | 25,090 | $76,820 |
| Human Resources Specialist (government) SOC 13-1071 | 53,120 | $75,840 |
| Administrative Assistant (government) SOC 43-6014 | 330,370 | $48,240 |
| City / County Clerk SOC 43-4031 | 129,600 | $47,960 |
| Office Clerk / Clerk Typist (government) SOC 43-9061 | 285,090 | $46,190 |
| Poll Worker / Election Worker SOC 43-9199 | 50,830 | $36,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Planning, Engineering & Environment
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (DOT / city / county) SOC 17-2051 | 37,340 | $113,550 |
| Environmental Engineer SOC 17-2081 | 2,780 | $104,140 |
| Urban / City Planner SOC 19-3051 | 33,350 | $85,980 |
| Environmental Scientist (government) SOC 19-2041 | 12,290 | $81,520 |
| Engineering Technician (DOT) SOC 17-3022 | 12,870 | $76,190 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Parks, Recreation & Libraries
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Librarian (public library) SOC 25-4022 | 93,090 | $68,420 |
| Park Ranger (NPS / state / county) SOC 33-9099 | 40,570 | $42,890 |
| Library Assistant / Page SOC 43-4121 | 67,990 | $37,080 |
| Recreation Coordinator / Supervisor SOC 39-9032 | 116,040 | $36,520 |
| Recreation Leader / Aide SOC 39-9032 | 116,040 | $36,520 |
| Lifeguard (city / state beaches & pools) SOC 33-9092 | 57,460 | $34,320 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Elected & Appointed Officials
| Job | Workers (local) | Median pay (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor SOC 11-1011 | 26,310 | $164,620 |
| Sheriff (elected) SOC 33-1012 | 128,550 | $103,080 |
| City Council Member SOC 11-1031 | Not published | Not published |
| County Commissioner / Supervisor SOC 11-1031 | Not published | Not published |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Workers and median pay are for the job's occupation code at this level of government, nationally (BLS OEWS by ownership); several jobs can share one occupation code.