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Sheriff Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FL · On-site

$3.0K/mo

Position Concept POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ACADEMY The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking quality candidates that will embody the values and diversity of the community ...

FL

$3.0K/day

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ACADEMY The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking quality candidates that will embody the values and diversity of the community as a member of ...

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Nevada City, CA · On-site

$81K - $99K/yr

DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING: JULY 13, 2026 DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ORAL PANEL INTERVIEWS: JULY 13, 2026 Please note only candidates who pass the Physical Agility Screening will be ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Deputy Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level class into the County law enforcement series. Incumbents must complete the basic POST Academy to successfully complete probation as a ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Deputy Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level class into the County law enforcement series. Incumbents must complete the basic POST Academy to successfully complete probation as a ...

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Jackson, CA · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a recruiting level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Deputy Sheriff in the Amador County Sheriff's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is seeking passionate individuals to join our team as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. In this role, high importance is placed on ensuring public safety is ...

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Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Jackson, CA · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a recruiting level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Deputy Sheriff in the Amador County Sheriff's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is seeking passionate individuals to join our team as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. In this role, high importance is placed on ensuring public safety is ...

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$111K - $122K/yr

If you are interested in joining our team as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, check out our Recruitment Brochure (Download PDF reader) to learn about the requirements to be a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, the ...

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$111K - $122K/yr

If you are interested in joining our team as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, check out our Recruitment Brochure to learn about the requirements to be a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, the recruitment process, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sheriff Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do sheriff trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Sheriff Trainees?

Sheriff Trainees are entry-level law enforcement personnel who are in the process of completing training to become full-fledged deputies in a sheriff's department. They typically attend an accredited law enforcement academy, where they receive instruction in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, and physical fitness. Upon successful completion of the academy and any required probationary period, Sheriff Trainees are usually promoted to the position of Deputy Sheriff. This role is designed to prepare individuals for a career in law enforcement by providing hands-on experience and foundational knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sheriff Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sheriff Trainee, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a clean background, with successful completion of written, physical, and psychological exams. Familiarity with law enforcement tools such as firearms, radios, and report-writing systems, and sometimes completion of a law enforcement academy, are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help candidates excel in this role. These skills and qualities are essential because they ensure the trainee can effectively protect the community, uphold the law, and maintain public trust during challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by Sheriff Trainees during their training period?

Sheriff Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the rigorous physical and academic demands of the training academy, learning to work effectively within a structured, hierarchical environment, and balancing the need for quick decision-making under pressure. Trainees must also develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and fellow officers. Overcoming these challenges requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to accept feedback and continuously improve.

What is the difference between Sheriff Trainee vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriff TraineeDeputy Sheriff
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement academy completion, certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised patrols, classroom instructionActive patrol, law enforcement duties, court appearances
Employer & Industry UsageSheriff's office during training periodSheriff's office as fully sworn officer

Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and education, while Deputy Sheriff is a fully sworn officer responsible for law enforcement duties. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas Deputies perform active patrols and enforce laws independently.

What cities are hiring for Sheriff Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Sheriff Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs? The most popular types of Sheriff jobs are:
What states have the most Sheriff Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Sheriff Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sheriff Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Deputy Sheriff Trainee

$3.0K/mo

Other

Medical

Posted 15 days ago


Polk County Sheriff's Office (Florida) rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 34 rated police


Job description

Position Concept

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ACADEMY

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking quality candidates that will embody the values and diversity of the community as a member of the agency. This program allows you the opportunity to be certified in Law Enforcement under the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Academy Program.

While attending the Academy (approximately six months)  the Sheriff's Office will provide a monthly stipend of $3,000 dollars per candidate (first and last month pro-rated). This program does not include health insurance, or worker's compensation benefits, as you are not a member of the Sheriff's Office, however it is required that you obtain some form of insurance while attending the Academy.

Individuals selected will receive a scholarship for tuition, books, uniforms and exam cost. However, you will be expected to pay for the following list of items that is outlined below that will be required to purchase for the Academy.  The following costs are only estimates as the total cost will depend on the quantity and name brand of the merchandise you decide to purchase.  You will be required to purchase these items prior to orientation at Polk State College in Winter Haven.  Should you have any further questions please feel free to contact th Human Resources Division at hr@polksheriff.org or (863) 298-6440.

  • Boots:  $60 to $300
  • Polo Shirts (2 each): $40 total
  • Under Belt: $25 to $35
  • Hearing Protection: $20
  • Running Shoes: $60 to $200
  • Basic Gun Cleaning Kit: $15
  • Eye Protection: $10
  • Physical Training Uniforms (3 sets) $80 approx.
  • Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs $60 total(recommend 2 each)
  • Ball Cap (recommend 2 each) $30 total
  • Black T-Shirt (5 each)-NOT V-Neck $20 to $50 approx. (T-Shirts to wear under uniform and polo shirts)

Upon graduating from the academy in good standing and successfully passing the state exams, you may be offered employment with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.   Once you are selected as a member of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, you will be assigned to the Department of Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff .

To be considered for selection, applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Academy shall establish and maintain a legal residence within the boundaries of Polk County, Florida.

While attending the Academy classes, you are representing the Polk County Sheriff's Office and you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner and adhere to ALL Polk County Sheriff's Office General Order policies while attending class, as well as outside of class. Misconduct or lack of integrity will not be tolerated and may result in termination of the scholarship program.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

MinUSD $3,000.00/Mo.MaxEmployment Type: OTHER

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