Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers are the third most in-demand profession in the Homeland Security sector. There is projected need for 265,000 officers by the end of 2014; but that is not to say that some states have a higher need than others. The following is a guide to help you navigate, state by state, the law enforcement employment gauntlet.

10 Highest Paying States For Law Enforcement

1. New Jersey

2. California

3. Illinois

4. Washington

5. Nevada

6. Alaska

7. Connecticut

8. Pennsylvania

9. Colorado

10. Oregon