Trooper

“Service with Humility” is more than just a motto. Washington State Patrol troopers have a desire to serve and make a difference in their communities every day.

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Lateral Hiring Bonus

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Pathways

Your Career. Your Calling.

At the Washington State Patrol, no two careers look the same. Whether you’re drawn to the coast or the mountains, the highway or the hangar, there’s a path here for you. Discover the range of roles, specialties, and places you can serve, all under one badge.

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Connections

This is Why

Every traffic stop, every conversation, every moment in uniform is a chance to make a connection. Washington State Patrol troopers are more than law enforcement, they’re mentors, neighbors, and part of the communities they serve. Watch how trust is built one person at a time.

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Cadet Hiring Bonus

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Cadet Hiring Bonus

Trooper Cadet

Starting at: $70,008/Year

As a Washington State Trooper, you will work independently with minimal supervision to provide a full range of police and safety services to the residents and visitors of Washington State. Troopers identify and enforce criminal and traffic law violations in assigned geographical areas as well as support criminal prosecutions through the use of statutory arrest authority, search, investigation, and court proceedings. You will be required to expedite safe flow of traffic and assist with collision response and investigations. Troopers provide assistance to motorists, crime victims, the public, and governmental bodies. You will serve on committees or assist with projects dedicated to topics such as public safety and crime prevention as well as participate in specialty assignments and other duties as assigned.

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$ 0

Lateral Hiring Bonus

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Lateral Hiring Bonus

Lateral Trooper

Starting at: $102,600/Year

Operates independently with minimal supervision to deliver comprehensive police and public safety services throughout Washington State. Enforces criminal and traffic laws within assigned areas and supports prosecutions through arrests, investigations, and court proceedings. Facilitates traffic flow, responds to collisions, and conducts related investigations. Provides assistance to motorists, crime victims, and the general public. Engages with governmental bodies and contributes to committees or projects focused on public safety and crime prevention. Participates in specialized assignments and other duties as required.

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Information

Pay and Benefits

Salary

Trooper Cadet:

Starting at: $70,008/Year

Pay Differential

We offer an additional 10% geography pay for troopers in King County, 5% for Snohomish County, 3% for Pierce County, 7% for outposts, and 5% for night shift.
We also offer 2% for an Associate’s Degree and 4% for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Lateral Trooper:

Starting at: $102,600/Year

Lateral Troopers will receive a monthly salary, which will be determined by seniority as a fully commissioned peace officer. Seniority determinations will be consistent with Article 8 of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association (WSPTA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Additional Compensation Incentives:

Shift Differential Pay, Education Incentive Pay, Geographic Pay, and Specialty Pay, as well as Paid Leave Time and Benefits. Read more here.

Benefits

Continuing Education

We will pay for you to continue pursuing your degree. There is a 2% raise for an associate degree, and 4% for a bachelor degree.

Health Insurance

WSP offers more health care options, including dental, than almost any other employer in the state.

Retirement Plan

We offer a variety of retirement plans, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.

Loan Forgiveness

WSP Employees may also be qualified for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for student loans.

Requirements

Trooper Cadet:

Be a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America
High school graduate or equivalent
At least 19.5 years of age
Valid driver’s license
No felonies or DUIs
Pass the physical fitness test
Moral character
Good communications skills
Creative problem-solving skills
Passion for helping others
Pass background investigation
Pass polygraph
Pass a physiological exam

Lateral Trooper:

Same standards as Cadet with additional requirements:

Completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and required probationary period at a current/former law enforcement agency.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Washington State Driver’s License.
Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or state-recognized home school certificate.
Successful completion of all hiring phases listed above.
Willingness to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call as needed.
Compliance with narcotics and controlled substance restrictions, as outlined in WSP Hiring Standards (Download PDF reader).

Hiring Bonus

Trooper Cadet:

Applicants are eligible for a $10,000 hiring bonus. The first $5,000 will be awarded on successful completion of the 122nd Trooper Basic Training Class. The second $5,000 will be awarded after successful completion of a probationary period as a Trooper.

Lateral Trooper:

Lateral Troopers are eligible for a $20,000 hiring bonus. $8,000 upon completion of academy training, $6,000 upon successful completion of probationary period, $6,000 after completion of two (2) years of service.