The map below shows you the number of cop job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where cops earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.

Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market. Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.We spoke to cop professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the cop job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the cop industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.

We spoke to cop professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the cop job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the cop industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.

Yes, cop jobs are in demand. Cop demand is projected to grow 3% from 2018 to 2028.

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Entry level jobs

right-to-work

relocation

Year	# of jobs	% of population
2021	880	0.00%
2020	866	0.00%
2019	880	0.00%
2018	875	0.00%
2017	876	0.00%

Year	Avg. salary	Hourly rate	% Change
2026	$92,365	$44.41	+3.8%
2025	$88,997	$42.79	+2.9%
2024	$86,502	$41.59	+0.5%
2023	$86,037	$41.36	+2.3%
2022	$84,107	$40.44	+2.3%

Rank	State	Population	# of jobs	Employment/ 1000ppl
1	District of Columbia	693,972	16	2%
2	Virginia	8,470,020	83	1%
3	Maryland	6,052,177	43	1%
4	Hawaii	1,427,538	15	1%
5	Alaska	739,795	9	1%
6	California	39,536,653	52	0%
7	Texas	28,304,596	39	0%
8	Illinois	12,802,023	24	0%
9	Ohio	11,658,609	23	0%
10	New York	19,849,399	23	0%
11	Washington	7,405,743	18	0%
12	Michigan	9,962,311	15	0%
13	Massachusetts	6,859,819	14	0%
14	Minnesota	5,576,606	14	0%
15	Oregon	4,142,776	13	0%
16	New Jersey	9,005,644	13	0%
17	Connecticut	3,588,184	10	0%
18	North Dakota	755,393	3	0%
19	Delaware	961,939	3	0%
20	Vermont	623,657	1	0%

Job outlook for cops in the United States

Are cop jobs in demand?

Cop job and salary trends over time

Cop jobs over time

Cop job growth rate over time

Average cop salary over time

Cop salary by year

Cop jobs by state

Most common states for cops

Most common cities for cops

Cop jobs