Become a Deputy
If you have strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a belief in treating everyone with dignity and respect, we hope you will consider joining our team.
TAKE A CHANCE ON YOURSELF
With every great challenge comes a strong support system in order to succeed. Through hands-on mentorship and a team committed to your success, see how the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office can help you reach your full potential and advance your career.
Deputy Sheriff
At the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, we are looking for individuals with a passion for improving the lives of those around them. We provide an environment that will support and encourage your personal and professional growth. We are an organization rich in history, proud in tradition, and built on a foundation of honor. Come see why the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is all in on your career.
Deputy Sheriff Salary
The starting salary for a Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff is $64,997 – $82,955. Starting pay is based on several factors, including foreign language proficiency, prior corrections or law enforcement experience, active or reserve military service, and college degrees.
Deputies are also eligible for overtime after graduating from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and completing the required Field Training Program.
Current salary ranges by rank include:
| Rank | Salary Range |
| Deputy Sheriff / Private First Class | $64,997 – $116,726 |
| Master Deputy Sheriff | $68,247 – $122,562 |
| Sergeant | $71,659 – $128,691 |
| Second Lieutenant | $75,242 – $135,125 |
| First Lieutenant | $96,031 – $172,458 |
| Captain | $111,168 – $199,642 |
| Major | $122,562 – $220,105 |
Incentive Pay
In addition to base salary, qualifying Fairfax County Deputy Sheriffs may receive several types of incentive pay and additional compensation.
Incentive pay opportunities include:
- Receive a 5% salary increase plus an additional $61.54 per pay period
- Field Training Instructor pay: additional $6.00 per hour
- Evening shift differential: $157.50 per month
- Night shift differential: $332.50 per month
- Longevity pay: 5% pay increase at 15, 20, and 25 years of service
- $700 annual uniform allowance
Deputies may also choose to work overtime assignments after meeting training requirements.
Benefits
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- LiveWell Program
- Flexible Spending Programs
- Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
- Paid Holidays
- Contributory Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employees’ Child Care Center
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
Minimum qualifications
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications before becoming a Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff.
Minimum qualifications include:
- At least 20 years old at the date of application
- At least 21 years old by the date of Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy graduation
- High school diploma or successful completion of a U.S. Department of Education-recognized GED testing program
- United States citizenship
- Valid driver’s license
Applicants must also meet medical, background, and employment requirements before appointment.
Special requirements
Deputy Sheriff applicants must meet additional special requirements as part of the hiring process.
Applicants must:
- Never have been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or crime of moral turpitude
- Be able to obtain a Class “A” medical rating in the assigned medical group before appointment
- Be a non-smoker at the time of appointment
- Be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement to refrain from smoking both on and off duty
- Possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license without a negative point balance at the time of appointment
These requirements help ensure applicants meet the standards expected of sworn law enforcement officers.
Deputy Roles
As a Deputy Sheriff, you will have opportunities to work in different supervision styles throughout the adult detention center.
Confinement
Start your career in Confinement, maintaining safety and security within the Adult Detention Center environment.
Court Services
Protect judges, courtrooms, staff, and visitors while supporting daily courthouse operations across Fairfax County.
Civil Enforcement
Serve legal documents and execute court orders while supporting civil justice throughout Fairfax County.
Hiring Process
- Apply
- Background check
- Medical examination
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological examination
- Job offer
Deputy Sheriff
We are excited to announce our new part-time deputy sheriff opportunities—an ideal path for retired law enforcement officers looking to continue serving their community while earning an additional retirement benefit.
Deputy Sheriff Salary
The starting salary for a Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff is $63,722 – $81,328. Starting pay is based on several factors, including foreign language proficiency, prior corrections or law enforcement experience, active or reserve military service, and college degrees.
Deputies are also eligible for overtime after graduating from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and completing the required Field Training Program.
Current salary ranges by rank include:
| Rank | Salary Range |
| Deputy Sheriff / Private First Class | $63,722 – $114,437 |
| Master Deputy Sheriff | $66,908 – $120,159 |
| Sergeant | $70,254 – $126,167 |
| Second Lieutenant | $73,767 – $132,475 |
| First Lieutenant | $94,148 – $169,076 |
| Captain | $108,988 – $195,727 |
| Major | $120,159 – $215,789 |
Incentive Pay
In addition to base salary, qualifying Fairfax County Deputy Sheriffs may receive several types of incentive pay and additional compensation.
Incentive pay opportunities include:
- Bilingual pay: 5% pay increase
- Field Training Instructor pay: additional $6.00 per hour
- Evening shift differential: $157.50 per month
- Night shift differential: $332.50 per month
- Longevity pay: 5% pay increase at 15, 20, and 25 years of service
- $700 annual uniform allowance
Deputies may also choose to work overtime assignments after meeting training requirements.
Benefits
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- LiveWell Program
- Flexible Spending Programs
- Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
- Paid Holidays
- Contributory Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employees’ Child Care Center
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
Minimum qualifications
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications before becoming a Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff.
Minimum qualifications include:
- At least 20 years old at the date of application
- At least 21 years old by the date of Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy graduation
- High school diploma or successful completion of a U.S. Department of Education-recognized GED testing program
- United States citizenship
- Valid driver’s license
Applicants must also meet medical, background, and employment requirements before appointment.
Special requirements
Deputy Sheriff applicants must meet additional special requirements as part of the hiring process.
Applicants must:
- Never have been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or crime of moral turpitude
- Be able to obtain a Class “A” medical rating in the assigned medical group before appointment
- Be a non-smoker at the time of appointment
- Be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement to refrain from smoking both on and off duty
- Possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license without a negative point balance at the time of appointment
These requirements help ensure applicants meet the standards expected of sworn law enforcement officers.
FAQ
A career as a Deputy Sheriff starts with a decision to step forward. If you’re wondering what comes next, from qualifications and training to schedules, assignments, and growth opportunities, these answers will help you understand the path and take your next step with confidence.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and at least 21 years old by graduation from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid driver’s license.
Yes. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is currently offering a $15,000 hiring bonus. Candidates should speak with a recruiter for details about eligibility and payment timing.
The hiring process includes an application, background check, medical examination, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and job offer.
New Deputy Sheriffs begin their careers in Confinement, working within the Adult Detention Center. This provides a strong foundation in safety, security, communication, and supervision.
Deputy Sheriff recruits attend the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, where they receive extensive law enforcement training. After graduation, new deputies complete a structured Field Training Program with experienced deputies.
Yes. Deputy Sheriff recruits are paid while attending the academy.
New Deputy Sheriffs may work fixed day or night schedules. Day shifts typically begin at 6:30 a.m. and end at 7 p.m., while night shifts typically begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 7 a.m.
Deputy Sheriffs may have opportunities to serve in Confinement, Court Services, Civil Enforcement, and other assignments as they gain experience and continue their careers.
Yes. Part-time Deputy Sheriff opportunities are available and are ideal for retired law enforcement officers who want to continue serving the community while earning an additional retirement benefit.
Part-time applicants must already hold a valid, non-expired DCJS law enforcement certification. These positions are dedicated to the confinement environment and include both day and night shift options.
Yes. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office supports professional growth through hands-on mentorship, training, specialty assignments, promotional opportunities, and a team committed to helping deputies succeed.
No. Prior law enforcement experience is not required for full-time Deputy Sheriff applicants. The Sheriff’s Office provides training, mentorship, and support to help new deputies build a successful career.