Considering a new career...need advice.

[metallicat]

Don't become a cop for the money, because while its not bad, its not the reason people become cops. Here, in my first year I will make 36,000 base per year...and withiin a couple years, I will be making over 50 K CDN after OT, court, all that stuff.

[0pusX]

starting pay at most places I see is usually around $30,000 here in Michigan

[modeler80]

All depends on where you go, I've tested at place with starting salaries better the 42k a year base and I ended up on a department with a starting base around 19k per year.

[EricTheBald]

You know, FWIW, you can expect to see a pretty big boom in employment opportunities in IT in 2004. By 2005 the shortage will be intense and persistent.

[mcsap]

Our base pay in semi-rural PA is 34K, throw in OT, holidays ( we get triple time) and base pay easily approaches 38K. Within 5 yrs the base is about 48K. After 17 yrs , I make in excess of 70K including OT/holidays. We get FULL bennies/ life , health, dental, vision and prescription coverage. 2 days of sick leave per month which can be saved up to 150 days. ( I have had 150 days for yrs) , I am at 27 vacation days per yr ( start at 10) , can take comp insead of the $$ for OT. Retire after 25 yrs although you have to be at least 50 yrs old. 50% pay and 50% bennies.

Overall a pretty good deal for someone who does not have a degree ( or even for those that do !) .

Don't know where I could find such a job in the private sector that didn't require a lot of initials after my name.