When it comes to jobs in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security career cluster, many positions depend on work experience more than education. Several Premier High Schools, located in areas where there is a high demand for workers in law, public safety, corrections and security related positions, offer a Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway that offers the hands-on experience employers are looking for. If you are interested in a job in this sector, gaining experience in a CTE program can help you get ahead in pursuing the career of your choice.
Below is a sampling of jobs in the area of law, public safety, corrections and security.
- Crossing Guard
- Transit and Railroad Police
- First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
- Judicial Law Clerk
- Lawyer
Crossing Guard
- Job Description: Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.
- Growth: 14%
- Average Wage: $20,127
- Openings: 115
- Education: Requires short-term on-the-job training. Most employees have at least a high school diploma or better.
Transit and Railroad Police
- Job Description: Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
- Growth: 16%
- Average Wage: $50,509
- Openings: 25
- Education: Requires long-term on-the-job training. Most employees have some college.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
- Job Description: Supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
- Growth: 16%
- Average Wage: $81,483
- Openings: 255
- Education: Requires work experience in a related occupation. Most employees have some college.
Judicial Law Clerk
- Job Description: Assist judges in court by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
- Growth: 18%
- Average Wage: $42,153
- Openings: 10
- Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree. Most employees have a college degree.
Lawyer
- Job Description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
- Growth: 22%
- Average Wage: $134,202
- Openings: 1,865
- Education: Requires doctoral/first professional degree. Most employees have a four-year college degree or better.
The information provided about a sampling of occupations within law, public safety, corrections and security is taken from the Texas Workforce Commission and provides averages that can vary with location and time spent working. When looking at a job, understanding the education level need, growth and openings will determine the wage and eligibility. Growth in an industry often means there are more opportunities for students. The number of openings can determine the wage. Even if a job does not require extensive education, but has few openings, the job can be more competitive and pay a higher wage. For more information, visit Achieve Texas’ Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Magazine.
While only five occupations are highlighted here, students can find more information at America’s Career InfoNet, Competency Model Clearinghouse, Occupational Information Network, and the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.
