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Sheriff Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff - Institutions

Salem, OR · On-site

$31.40 - $46.16/hr

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is seeking both trainee and certified applicants to join our Institutions team as a Deputy Sheriff. The Marion County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law ...

Deputy Sheriff - Institutions

Salem, OR · On-site

$31.40 - $46.16/hr

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is seeking both trainee and certified applicants to join our Institutions team as a Deputy Sheriff. The Marion County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law ...

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Sheriff Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do sheriff trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Deputy Sheriff - Pre-Service

Deputy Sheriff - Pre-Service

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA

$80K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th of 700 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job The Sheriff's Department is accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff's who perform a variety of law enforcement functions, depending upon level of experience and area of assignment, in a correctional facility, on patrol, or in crime investigations. For more detailed information, please refer to the Deputy Sheriff job description. Note: This Deputy Sheriff - Pre-Service recruitment targets applicants who have completed, or are close to completing, a CA POST Accredited Basic Academy and who have not yet received the CA POST Basic Certification.

Applicants who have experience as a Peace Officer and possess a current CA POST Basic Certificate or higher may qualify for Deputy Sheriff - Lateral. Visit our website to view the job bulletin and submit your application. Those who have not attended a CA POST Accredited Basic Academy should apply for Deputy Sheriff Trainee.

Visit our website to view the job bulletin and submit your application. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as this recruitment may close at any time. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Deputy Sheriff's must: 1) Be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or G.E.D

2) Be a United States citizen. 3) Pass San Bernardino County's safety, medical, psychological and polygraph examinations, including a drug test. 4) Be fingerprinted and pass a background investigation.

Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony. 5) Have a valid California driver license. 6) Be available for rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

7) Participate in mandated in-service training. UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Incumbents receive a yearly uniform allowance of $1,200/year. Minimum Requirements Option A: Possession of a current California POST Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate.

Applicants must attach a legible copy of their California POST Basic Academy completion certificate to the application to qualify under this option. Option B: Current enrollment and attendance in a California POST accredited Basic Law Enforcement Academy, with graduation expected within the next four (4) months. Copies of current enrollment letters with expected graduation date must be attached to the application to qualify under this option.

Option C: Possession of current California POST Regular Reserve Level I, II, III certificates; or current enrollment and attendance in a California POST accredited Reserve Academy Level I course with possession of Level II & III certificates. Copies of all certificates must be attached to the application to qualify under this option. NOTE: Eligible applicants who are required to complete the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Training Academy will be hired as Sheriff Trainees, with an hourly rate of $31.60 - $34.20 in an unrepresented unit while attending the Academy, and will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff upon successful completion of the Academy

Desired Qualifications The ideal candidate will have high personal and professional standards, good decision-making skills, and be mentally and physically ready to handle the rigors of academy life. Learn more about the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the physical agility requirements at sheriffsjobs.com. Applicants are highly encouraged to visit our Sheriff's Recruitment Center

Selection Process Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials. Application Procedure: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a weekly basis.

For priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. (Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.) To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the closing of this recruitment

Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.

Additional Information and Resources: If you need technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process


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