What First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties"; "Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work"; "Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations"; "Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff"; "Train staff in proper police work procedures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 160,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 165,400 in 2035, an increase of 5,200 jobs (+3.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 10,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $106,040, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $129,544 in New York to $131,598 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,054 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $106,040 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 18,360, which is 51.3% of the 35,800 counted across them. New York follows with 17,440.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($131,598) and New York ($129,544) lead the ranking, while New York ($129,544) and New Jersey ($131,598) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
How much do First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $106,040. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $129,544 to $131,598.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $131,598. New York is next at $129,544.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 10,600 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.