What is the salary of a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective?

The typical salary range is $74,186 - $148,372 per year.

Government & Public ServicesStable

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective

Operational-level

Also known as: Captain, Chief Deputy, Community Relations Police Lieutenant, Deputy Chief Sheriff

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives, you lead and coordinate the daily activities of police officers. You'll spend your days communicating with your team and the public, often by phone, email, and in person, sometimes from an enclosed police vehicle. This role requires strong critical thinking, active listening, and clear communication skills to monitor situations and make decisions. If you're a responsible leader who can effectively guide others in challenging situations, this job could be a great fit.

Police LeadershipLaw Enforcement ManagementCriminal JusticePublic SafetyGovernment ServicesLeadershipManagementPolice & MilitaryGovernment

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Access Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Visio Microsoft Word

In-demand software

Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

10,600

per year (US)

Jobs today

160,200

in 2025 → 165,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The job outlook for Police and Detective Supervisors is stable through 2035, with about 10,600 openings each year. You could earn a median annual wage of around $106,040. Many supervisors advance from roles like police officer or detective, and can progress to higher leadership positions such as Police Lieutenant or Captain.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Police Officer
Detective
Correctional Officer

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective

Where it can lead

Police Lieutenant
Police Captain
Chief of Police

Impact of AI on this Job

AI tools like predictive policing, data analytics for crime patterns, and automated surveillance could assist supervisors by providing better information and optimizing resource allocation. However, human judgment, leadership, and ethical decision-making will remain crucial, as AI cannot replicate the nuanced interpersonal skills needed for direct supervision and community interaction. AI might streamline administrative tasks, allowing supervisors to focus more on strategic leadership and team development.

Salary

$106,040

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Police Academy

Vocational • Law & Public Administration • 1 year

Criminal Justice/Police Science