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Sheriff Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff

Memphis, TN · On-site

$3.5K - $5.4K/mo

Sheriff Patrol Officer - DEPUTY SHERIFF (Sheriff) Closes On: December 30, 2023, at 11:59 PM CST Department: Sheriff Job Status: Full-Time Rate of Pay: $21.61 Hourly - Status: Open Register Details:

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$76.7K

$102.5K

$141.6K

How much do sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff in Tennessee is $102,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sheriff?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officials who are responsible for maintaining peace and enforcing the law within a county or jurisdiction. Their duties often include managing the county jail, serving legal documents, providing courtroom security, and patrolling rural areas. In many locations, sheriffs also oversee a team of deputies and support staff. The exact responsibilities of sheriffs can vary by state and county, but they play a vital role in the local justice system.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff, you need comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement practices, criminal justice procedures, and typically a combination of law enforcement experience and formal training, often with state certification. Familiarity with police databases, incident reporting systems, and evidence management technology is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help a Sheriff effectively manage personnel and engage with the community. These abilities ensure public safety, uphold the law, and maintain trust in local law enforcement operations.

What does a sheriff do?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officers at the county level. They often have the same training and authority as police officers and may work alongside the local police department. Their exact job duties vary by state and county.

Sheriffs handle a variety of law enforcement tasks on a daily basis. They supervise their staff, creating schedules and delegating assignments. Sheriffs deliver and serve documents including court orders, eviction notices, and divorce papers to community members. Sheriffs may also take and respond to emergency calls in certain counties. Like other police officers, sheriffs patrol the area, work traffic detail, and may investigate car accidents. A sheriff also has the authority to investigate, arrest, process, and detain criminals. In some counties, the sheriff manages the local jail and communicates with regional courts regarding inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by sheriffs and how can new hires prepare for them?

Sheriffs often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations, balancing administrative duties with fieldwork, and ensuring effective communication within their teams. New hires can prepare by developing strong conflict resolution skills, staying physically and mentally fit, and familiarizing themselves with local laws and departmental protocols. Building relationships with both the community and team members is also crucial for success and career growth in this role.

What is the difference between Sheriff vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriffDeputy Sheriff
CredentialsTypically requires law enforcement training, certification, and election or appointment as sheriffRequires law enforcement training and certification; appointed or hired by sheriff
Work EnvironmentOversees county law enforcement, manages sheriff's office, and enforces lawsWorks under the sheriff, performs patrols, investigations, and law enforcement duties
Employer & IndustryCounty government, law enforcement agencies

In summary, a sheriff is an elected official responsible for overseeing county law enforcement, while a deputy sheriff is a sworn officer working under the sheriff's command. Both roles require law enforcement credentials, but the sheriff holds a leadership and administrative position, whereas the deputy sheriff performs operational duties.

More about Sheriff jobs

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The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in Tennessee are:

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Sheriff job openings:

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For Sheriff jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sheriff jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sheriff job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,450 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Sheriff Patrol Officer (Sheriff)

Memphis, TN • On-site

Shelby County Sheriff's Office
See more jobs at Shelby County Sheriff's Officeexternal

$24.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description


Position Summary
Works under general direction to perform necessary tasks to satisfy requirements legislated under the powers and duties of the Sheriff found in Tennessee Code Annotated Chapters 8-8-201 and 8-8-213.
Pay Grade: 49H
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or possess a GED; AND
  • Must be minimum age of 21 at the time of application.
  • Must be of high moral character.
  • Discharged under honorable conditions from Armed Forces, if applicable [TN POST Rule 1110-2-.03 (1)(f)].
  • Will be screened for misdemeanor/felony record. (Must not have been convicted of, plead guilty to, or entered a plea of no contest to any felony charge or to any violation of federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances).
  • Attend and successfully complete a State of Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved basic police training academy.
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Executes and returns process orders of the courts of record.
  • Aids and attends the courts as assigned.
  • Takes charge of custody of prisoners in the County Jail.
  • Serves, executes, and processes legally issued writs.
  • Makes initial investigations in response to dispatched calls for service.
  • Reviews and polices high accident locations and gives citations to violators.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to fulfill the requirements placed upon the office of the Sheriff Department.
  • Performs other related duties as required or directed.

KSAs
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations applicable.
  • Knowledge of traffic safety; or the use; care; and operation of the patrol vehicle under all conditions; and of the use and care of firearms and police liability.
  • Ability to master thorough on-the-job training during the first years of service.
  • Ability to interact with the public with courtesy and tact.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and independent decision-making.
  • Ability to use self-defense techniques.

Special Requirements
  • Must be available for shift work, weekends, and holidays.
  • After receiving a contingent offer of employment, must be able to pass a psychological and medical evaluation and be subject to testing for substance abuse.
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee driver license or secure one by date of employment.
  • Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet County requirements for automobile insurance upon date of employment.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces pursuant to 38-8-105(d).
  • Must pass a physical agility test upon satisfying initial minimum qualifications.

Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.

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