Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs
Description OES Code: 63032
Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants. Exclude Deputy Sheriffs who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in county correctional institutions.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $19.09
25th Percentile $20.56
50th Percentile $25.28
75th Percentile $31.47

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Full-time positions average 40 hours per week. Persons working in this occupation must be willing to work overtime and frequently on weekends, holidays or evening shifts.

Almost all employers offer medical, dental, and vision insurance in addition to sick leave, vacation, retirement and life insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 6,200
Projected Employment 2008 8,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 40.3%
Separations 1998-2008 700

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Police work can be dangerous and stressful. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, officers need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with a number of other threatening situations. Many law enforcement officers witness death and suffering resulting from accidents and criminal behavior. A career in law enforcement may take a toll on officers’ private lives.

Advancement
Advancement opportunities usually consist of promotion to sergeant. The job of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff is part of a cluster of law enforcement occupations which includes police patrol and correctional officer, as well as others such as FBI or Treasury Agent which many people may not believe are related to the position of Sheriff.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Jobs in this occupation are filled through examinations which evaluate the experience, education and personal fitness of applicants, and new hires receive additional training prior to beginning work (see the training section of this occupational assessment). Applications and notices of examination are available at county personnel offices.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Although applicants in this occupation are formally required to have completed high school or the equivalent, more advanced education with related specialties such as police science or criminal justice are becoming more common as this occupation continues to professionalize, and is highly desirable.

Skills & Other Requirements
Work in this occupation demands a combination of self control, emotional stability and physical ability well above the average for most occupations.

Physical skills for this occupation include the ability to pass a pre-employment medical examination, and being able to pass a physical performance test.

Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff need a Possession of a Firearms Qualifications Card. They should also be able to write effectively, have problem solving skills.

On a personal level, sheriffs need to understand of a variety of cultures, have the ability to read and comprehend information quickly, in addition to being able to pass a psychological interview.
They also need public contact skills, have the ability to work independently, and interact well with others

References
California Occupational Guide: #457

Related Occupations: Security Guards

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)