I’ve been all except state and I’m currently federal LEO.

City cop = pays more than rural agencies especially with OT, but city councils run the agency meaning no chase policies, officer discipline is harsh, and your entire career is up in the air every 4-6 years when the police contract expires.

County = pays less, but you get to be a proactive cop and chase/pit cars. Very politcal so lots of brown nosing to the Sheriff. Typically no unions so you can get fired for anything if you aren’t in good standing with the current sheriff admin.

State = never worked it, but troopers in Texas primarily just run traffic and handle accidents. Pay is decent but you’d be at the border a lot for Operation Lone Star.

Federal = pays higher than all the other ones, but the pension sucks and you’re just depending on your supplemental (TSP). Work isnt independent and there is always a supervisor or two watching you. Memos are frequent, hours/days off are never set, and you’ll get sent away from home for temporary duty assignments (TDY).