Filled with industry and commerce, Illinois may be a surprise winner in this competition. However, when you look at the number of small villages, towns, park districts, and other governmental entities with police departments throughout the state – and especially surrounding the Chicago metropolitan area – it makes sense that there would be so many openings. At 920 openings per year between now and 2014, Illinois comes in at number four.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the statistics:

• Total patrol officers and deputies in 2004: 29,810
• Total expected by 2014: 31,290
• Number of newly hired officers each year: 920
• Median salary for patrol officers and deputies: $63,627

Other States

1. California
2. Florida
3. New York
4. Georgia