How to become transit and railroad policeeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$90,230

25th–75th pct. $68,990–$119,290

Top pay (est.)

$163,700

Top 10% $125,910

Pay in 5 years

$105,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$123,700est.

$106,400–$143,600

Outlook score

60/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

17%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.2%

300 openings / yr

How to become transit and railroad police

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Transit and Railroad Police

Key skills

Speaking

3.9

Monitoring

3.5

Persuasion

3.4

Critical Thinking

3.4

Reading Comprehension

3.2

Social Perceptiveness

3.2

Active Listening

3.2

Coordination

3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

6.0

Public Safety and Security

5.3

Psychology

5.3

Education and Training

4.9

Law and Government

4.6

Therapy and Counseling

4.2

English Language

4.2

Computers and Electronics

3.7

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityFar VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

28%

Some college

26%

High school diploma

21%

Post-secondary certificate

14%

Associate's degree

Master's degree

Professional degree

Training before entry

3–6 months

36%

6–12 months

34%

1–2 years

12%

1–3 months

12%

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

None

27%

1–2 years

22%

Over 10 years

15%

6–12 months

13%

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

2–4 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as transit and railroad police

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.	$76,210	58/100	20%
3	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
4	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
5	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
6	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.