Top Side Jobs for Police Officers Looking to Boost Their Income

Police officers have a demanding job serving and protecting their communities. However, many seek side jobs to supplement their income and pursue other passions. The right secondary gig allows officers to earn extra cash, use different skills and expand their networks.

This article explores great side jobs for police officers looking to boost their earnings. From security work to personal training there are many rewarding opportunities for officers to consider.

Security Guard

Working as a security guard allows officers to use their training in a civilian setting. Security guards earn a national average salary of $34101 annually protecting businesses events and more. With the ability to set their own schedules, security work makes an ideal flexible side job for officers.

Security companies value officers’ expertise in areas like observation, emergency response, self-defense tactics, investigation and reporting. Officers should highlight these skills when applying to security jobs. Those with specialized training in fields like cybersecurity, anti-terrorism or executive protection can offer extra value to employers.

Many security jobs require little commitment beyond scheduled shifts. This supplements an officer’s income without interfering with their other work. For retired police looking for regular pay, full-time security work is also an option.

Parole Officer

Parole officers help ex-convicts to reintegrate into society after prison. The role involves coordination with courts, assessments, direct supervision and connecting parolees with services. Officers must enjoy mentoring people and understand criminology and social work.

With median pay of $56,170, parole officer jobs provide nice earnings potential for police officers. Officers can work freelance or part-time, offering flexible hours. Their training on criminal justice policies, investigations and need assessment transfer well to this role.

Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology or social work. Current or former police officers often get hired with just an associate’s degree and experience. Overall, parole work is a natural fit for officers seeking meaningful side income.

Private Investigator

Police officers possess many skills that translate to private investigation work. Investigators earn median pay of $52,840 gathering facts, conducting surveillance, serving legal documents and more. Officers can leverage their investigative know-how doing PI work part-time.

Attention to detail, knowledge of databases and informer relationships help officers excel as investigators. Tactical surveillance and evidence collection skills also come in handy. Treat PI work as a way to gain exposure to diverse clients and types of cases.

Most states require investigators to hold a license involving some training and experience. Current or former officers can qualify through their police work. Overall, investigation makes a great side job for officers who relish the sleuthing process.

Personal Trainer

Helping others meet their fitness goals, personal trainers earn median pay of $40,390. Officers can offer training informed by their own intense physical regimens. Working at gyms or as an independent contractor provides flexibility for officers.

When pitching training services, officers should emphasize their discipline, motivation skills and health knowledge. Hands-on experience guiding recruits through drills also helps as a trainer. Officers may need to pursue a personal trainer certification to gain credentials.

Start by training fellow officers, family members or friends part-time. This lets officers build teaching skills, reviews and portfolio images to promote services. As a passion business, personal training allows officers to stay active and help others.

Bartender

For officers who enjoy lively social settings and mixology, bartending may appeal as a side job. Bartenders in the U.S. earn about $26,000 annually mixing drinks, serving customers and managing the bar. Officers can find part-time bartending gigs with flexible schedules.

Veteran officers have the interpersonal skills to thrive behind the bar chatting with customers. Time management and multi-tasking abilities also serve them well in a fast-paced bar setting. Taking spirit education and mixology classes can help officers craft creative cocktails.

Look for bartending roles at restaurants, hotels, members-only clubs or event venues. Bartending provides a fun opportunity to directly brighten patrons’ days. Officers with a passion for craft beverages may even consider starting a consulting business.

Construction Laborer

Officers in good physical condition may enjoy part-time work as construction laborers. These roles involve physically demanding tasks like hauling materials, prepping sites and assisting tradespeople. No experience is required, making this an accessible side job option.

Laboring keeps officers active while earning $35,800 annually on average. Officers can build skills in construction to pursue side jobs like carpentry, plumbing or electrical work down the road. Labor gigs can work around officers’ schedules.

Trade associations and job boards can help officers find local construction opportunities. Start by targeting projects needing extra help for a short period. Labor jobs provide exercise plus extra money for home renovations or other big expenses.

Intelligence Analyst

Some officers leverage their investigative skills doing part-time intelligence analysis. These roles involve gathering data to identify patterns, derive insights and inform decision-making. Analysts earn median pay of around $63,600.

Officers adept at connecting dots and synthesizing data thrive in analyst roles. Police experience compiling evidence, writing reports and briefing command staff translates well. Most analyst employers require a bachelor’s degree, which some officers hold.

Look for analyst roles with police departments, government agencies and private security firms allowing part-time work. Intelligence analysis keeps officers’ analytical skills sharp while providing enriching exposure to global affairs.

Victim Advocate

Victim advocates help guide victims through the aftermath of crimes. Advocates provide legal information, counseling referrals, court support and other aid earning about $37,000 annually. Officers can perform this emotionally rewarding work part-time.

By mentoring victims, officers gain fulfillment giving back to the community. Their training on trauma, de-escalation and community resources helps them serve this role. Some employers may require a human services degree that officers can earn online.

Start by volunteering at a victim services non-profit to gain experience. Once proficient at providing empathetic support, officers can pursue paid advocate roles. Helping victims rebuild their lives provides deep career satisfaction.

Police officers have many attractive side job options to supplement their income. Security, investigation and personal training work leverage officers’ professional skills. Jobs like construction, bartending and advocacy let officers expand their networks and talents.

Review local job boards to find openings in fields of interest. Be prepared to highlight relevant police experience during interviews. With determination, officers can land rewarding secondary gigs that work with their schedule.

The right side job helps officers achieve financial and personal goals. Find an opportunity that fits your passions, then enroll in any required training. With the drive to succeed, officers can thrive in many off-duty careers.