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The terms sheriff and sheriff’s deputy are often used interchangeably.
Learning the differences between the two is important for anyone who wants to become a sheriff.
Knowing the pros and cons of working as a sheriff is another important aspect of deciding if this is the ideal career for some people.
The pros of becoming a sheriff may help some individuals decide that this is the right career choice that aligns with their career goals.
People who learn the cons that are associated with this job may decide that becoming a sheriff is not the best career option for them.
Determining if becoming a sheriff is the right career choice is a personal decision for people that requires weighing both the pros and cons.
Pros of Being a Sheriff
The pros of being a sheriff are reasons that some people who work in law enforcement choose this career.
Sheriffs who stay in this career are likely to do so because of the pros that are associated with their jobs.
1. You Are the Only One
Some people are likely to think that a sheriff and a deputy sheriff are the same person.
There are differences between the two, which are clearly explained by the Portage County, Wisconsin site.
The site indicates that a sheriff is a constitutionally established elected position.
There is only one sheriff.
That person serves as the head of the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff is a senior county law enforcement officer.
The explanation provided by Portage County, Wisconsin, is true for other areas.
Sheriff’s deputies, sometimes called deputy sheriffs, are appointed, sworn officers who work for the county sheriff.
2. Independent Position
County sheriffs are elected officials and, therefore, not subordinate to any other governing body within the county.
The sheriff’s office is independent and accountable to the citizens who elected them.
The author of an article published by The National Police Association indicates that sheriffs may have a significant influence on the administration of justice.
All states have sheriffs, except for Alaska, Connecticut, and Hawaii.
3. Flexible Work Schedule
The job of a sheriff requires that they work on a flexible schedule.
The flexible schedule requirement is likely to be a positive aspect for many people.
Sheriffs are not constricted by the same mundane work hours or days.
They may work various shifts or days.
4. Opportunity to Serve and Protect
It is easy to assume that the role of sheriff does not include the same motivation to protect and serve, which is often associated with the role of police officers.
Sheriffs have many duties that fall under the realm of protecting and serving within their county.
They are accountable to the people of the county who elected them.
It is the responsibility of the sheriff to show the people that they work to serve and protect citizens.
Sheriffs work closely with other law enforcement officials and agencies to ensure the safety of the community.
They operate the county jail.
They also notify the media and citizens of recurring crimes, recent arrests, and some other events.
5. Variation of Duties
People who become sheriffs quickly discover that they have a wide range of duties and responsibilities.
Sheriffs are responsible for maintaining law and order throughout their county.
County sheriffs do everything from enforcing traffic laws to investigating crimes and solving them.
They may find themselves being the face of law enforcement to the public.
6. Job Growth Outlook
The U.S. has experienced a positive job growth outlook for sheriffs over the last few years.
The need for sheriffs is expected to continue growing over the next several years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual job growth rate of four percent through at least 2033.
The bureau does not separate sheriffs from other law enforcement jobs and includes them in their job growth projections for police and detectives.
7. Salary
The average salary for a sheriff in the U.S., as of May 1, 2025, is $122,684.
The site salary.com also indicates that the typical salary range for sheriffs is between $115,931 and $130,205.
Sheriffs who have more experience and those sheriffs who have completed a law enforcement program are likely to earn a higher salary.
Where a sheriff works can also affect their salary.
One example is that sheriffs in San Diego County, California, earn an average of $132,794, while they earn an average of $118,734 in Montgomery County, Ohio.
Cons of Being a Sheriff
The cons of being a sheriff may lead some people to wonder if a job as a sheriff is the best career option for them.
Weighing the drawbacks along with the positive reasons for becoming a sheriff can help some people who want to be sheriffs make the ideal career choice.
1. Personal Safety
The risk to their safety is one of the cons of being a sheriff that may make some people reconsider their desire to work in this job.
Angry people present at crime scenes, dangerous people within communities, and angry people in court are some examples of how situations may escalate and pose a risk to the safety of sheriffs.
2. May Not Be a Long-Term Position
Sheriffs are elected officials, not appointed law enforcement officials.
The fact that they are elected means that their term usually expires after four years.
Election days may lead some sheriffs to watch election results closely and hope that they still have a job after tabulation of the votes.
3. Education and Certification
Many counties only require that sheriffs have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Consider the risk of not completing at least an associate’s degree in law enforcement or a related field.
Sheriffs may work in a jurisdiction that requires completion of a college degree.
Another requirement is that sheriffs complete the peace officer academy in their area.
Earning a degree does not replace the requirement to complete the peace officer academy program.
Some schools offer both the peace officer academy program and a law enforcement degree program.
Checking to see if additional certifications are required for sheriffs can help prevent delays or rejections from being the next county sheriff.
4. Campaigning to Be a Sheriff
The fact that a sheriff is an elected position means that candidates need to campaign for the position if they expect to get elected to office.
Campaigning for an elected position takes time and money.
It also often includes making public appearances during the election cycle.
5. Physical Fitness
Sheriffs are required to stand or walk for long periods.
They may have to use physical strength to facilitate an arrest or to carry out some of the other duties of a sheriff.
Staying in shape is likely expected of sheriffs so that they can effectively perform some of their duties.
6. Stressful Job
Sheriffs have job duties that may lead to stress or other mental health issues.
Witnessing violence, having to make quick decisions, campaigning every election cycle, and maintaining accountability to citizens are some things that may lead to sheriffs experiencing stress, burnout, or other issues.
7. Work-Life Balance
Sheriffs may experience issues that affect their work-life balance.
Maintaining relationships with family members and friends may become stressful for people who choose this demanding career that often requires working irregular hours, including on weekends, nights, and on holidays.
Pros and Cons of Being a Sheriff – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Sheriff | Cons of Being a Sheriff |
|---|---|
| 1. You Are the Only One | 1. Personal Safety |
| 2. Independent Position | 2. May Not Be a Long-Term Position |
| 3. Flexible Work Schedule | 3. Education and Certification |
| 4. Opportunity to Serve and Protect | 4. Campaigning to Be a Sheriff |
| 5. Variation of Duties | 5. Physical Fitness |
| 6. Job Growth Outlook | 6. Stressful Job |
| 7. Salary | 7. Work-Life Balance |
Should You Become a Sheriff?
Becoming a sheriff is often considered to be a rewarding career.
People who work as sheriffs are the only sheriffs in their county.
The independence of the sheriff’s office is likely to attract some people to the career.
Sheriffs serve and protect the community in the same way as other law enforcement officers.
They must operate the county jail and be the face of law enforcement at media events or press conferences.
They must make quick decisions, stay in good physical condition, and be accountable to the citizens who elected them.
The average salary that sheriffs earn is another reason that some people pursue this career.
The average starting salary is great across the country, with some jurisdictions paying more than in other areas.
Deciding if they can avoid or at least manage the job-related stress and risk of burnout is one of the cons that individuals who want to be sheriffs must consider before they launch their campaign.
Choosing to become a sheriff is an individual decision that people must decide for themselves after comparing the pros and cons of this career.
Sources
https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=165
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/sheriff
https://nationalpolice.org/main/the-role-of-sheriffs-in-american-justice/
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