Deputy Sheriff (Experienced, Certified, or Current Academy Attendees Only) 04.2026

SALARY RANGE

$36.60 - $46.78

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Waukesha County is accepting applications on a continuous basis from experienced law enforcement applicants, certified law enforcement applicants, and individuals currently attending a law enforcement academy.  

Click on the link below to learn more about the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and becoming a Deputy Sheriff.

Becoming a Deputy

Pay & Benefits
Effective December 27, 2025, the starting pay rate for candidates with no experience is at least $36.60/hr. Starting pay for those hired with experience will be determined based on experience. Curious about the benefits you'll enjoy in this role? Check out the Represented Employee Benefit Summary.

Lateral Transfer Benefits
Newly hired deputies who have at least three years of full-time experience as a certified law enforcement officer within the 48 months prior to hire are afforded a higher starting wage, up to 10 days of vacation and 40 hours of paid sick time during the first year of employment.  After the first year of employment, deputies hired with lateral transfer benefits accrue vacation time in accordance with the County's vacation schedule, based on their total number of years of experience as a full-time certified law enforcement officer.  

The Waukesha Deputy Sheriff's Labor Union contract provides further details and may be accessed from the Deputy Sheriff career page.

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

To view the full classification specification for Deputy Sheriff click here.  

Minimum Training & Experience Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.

• United States Citizen

• High School Diploma or GED.  

• Sixty (60) credits of post high school education (associate degree level or higher) from an accredited university, college or technical school, preferably in criminal justice, police science, business or public administration, or the social sciences. [In accordance with the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, a maximum of 60 credits may be waived by the Board for officers who qualify for a waiver.  College credits will only be waived for individuals who have training and/or experience (such as military training) that has been evaluated and provided a college credit recommendation by a group such as the American Council on Education (ACE)].

• Ability to possess a firearm.

• No felony convictions.

• Valid driver’s license.  

• Sworn law enforcement experience, eligible for certification as a law enforcement professional in the State of Wisconsin (this means you graduated from a law enforcement academy), or individuals currently attending a law enforcement academy.    

If you are an out-of-state law enforcement officer, you must have your reciprocity exam scheduled at the time of application in order to be considered, and you must pass the exam prior to being hired. See Officer Training, Employment, and Reciprocity | WILENET.

In addition to the above, candidates must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the essential job functions as listed in the Deputy Sheriff ADA Essential Functions Worksheet. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supplemental Information:

• In general, the selection process includes an application review, employment interview, background investigation, physical ability testing, polygraph examination (potential topics may include drug use, illegal activities, thefts, job performance/employment, driving habits, life history, integrity, etc.), psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug test.

• Candidates best meeting the q