Public Service Industry

Public Service Jobs: Trends to Watch

Technology is changing skills-based careers in public service, just as it's changing many other industries. For someone who wants to make their community a better place and is open to learning new skills, that's an opportunity.

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Explore public service careers, find public service training (sorted by career), get public service industry news and learn from our industry ambassadors what it's really like to do one of these in-demand jobs.

10 Careers

Correctional officer walks through prison aisle

Correctional Officer

Median Salary: $49,400
Jobs Available: 32,700+

If you want to help keep the public safe and serve your community, this career could be a good fit for you.

A criminal investigator takes photos at a crime scene

Criminal Investigator

Median Salary: $83,500
Jobs Available: 8,500+

Here's an opportunity to serve your community. CIs gather facts and collect evidence to help solve crimes. They play an integral role in the justice system.

paramedics stabilize a female patient on a gurney in front of an ambulance

EMTs and Paramedics

Median Salary: $43,300
Jobs Available: 21,000+

If you like helping people in your community, learn what it takes to become an essential medical responder.

An environmental field technician collects a water sample

Environmental Field Technician

Median Salary: $48,100
Jobs Available: 4,800+

These technicians protect public health by taking samples of air, soil and water and conducting tests on those samples.

Firefighters work together in a training exercise to put out a fire

Firefighter

Median Salary: $51,200
Jobs Available: 26,600+

If you tend to run toward danger instead of running away from it, here’s a job that can channel that energy.

A paralegal or legal assistant does research for lawyers

Paralegal and Legal Assistant

Median Salary: $57,200
Jobs Available: 44,900+

There’s a way to work in the field of law without going to law school. Use your organizational skills and strong work ethic to become a paralegal.

Female police officer stands by her patrol car

Police Officer

Median Salary: $65,200
Jobs Available: 59,100+

If you want to help your community, this in-demand career is one to consider. You’ll make a difference and learn new skills every day.

A black female preschool teacher helps three preschool students learn their shapes

Preschool Teacher

Median Salary: $34,100
Jobs Available: 57,900+

If you love kids and want a calling — not just a job — look no further. This is career will keep you on your toes and reward you with deep satisfaction.

A social services assistant checks on an elderly client in a medical setting

Social Services Assistant

Median Salary: $37,900
Jobs Available: 58,600+

This highly rewarding career doesn't require years of training, yet it's a job where you can make a difference. Plus, the predicted job growth is 12%!

A teacher assistant helps two students with classwork

Teacher Assistant

Median Salary: $30,900
Jobs Available: 137,000+

Keeping a class of students engaged is no easy task, which is why many teachers rely on the help of TAs. Here's what it takes to get into this rewarding career.

Take the SkillPointe Quiz

It’s OK if you don’t know what you want to do. This short visual quiz will help you identify skills-based careers that best match your personality.

Young woman wearing blue jean jacket and carrying a notebook shrugs

Public Service Opportunities

451,000+
Public Service job openings each year
$50,000
Average annual salary for Public Service professionals
10%
Projected public service job growth rate over the next 5 years

Industry News