Animal Control Workers vs. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: Who Earns More?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers out-earn Animal Control Workers by $31K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Animal Control Workers land at $45,660 and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers at $76,210. The education gap is real: animal control worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while police and sheriff's patrol officer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Animal Control Workers is Washington ($66,440); for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers it's California ($118,880).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Animal Control Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Animal Control Workers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earn more nationally. The median is $45,660 for Animal Control Workers versus $76,210 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, a difference of $31K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Animal Control Workers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Animal Control Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 3.9% projected growth, compared to 3.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Animal Control Workers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Animal Control Workers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Animal Control Workers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Animal Control Workers at $66,440/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Animal Control Workers vs. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Animal Control Workers earn $66,440 vs. $102,080 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.