State Troopers are specialized officers responsible for ensuring public safety and upholding the state laws. Commonly known as highway patrol officers, it’s their job to enforce traffic laws. State Troopers responsibilities also include assisting law enforcement agencies in rural areas and keeping communities safe. State Trooper is a demanding job and considered quite dangerous, which is why individuals considering the field must go through rigorous training and stringent screening process. Most states require candidates to have at least an associate degree before entering the police academy. In some states though, a high school diploma is also sufficient.

Education & Career Info

State Troopers are specialized officers responsible for ensuring public safety and upholding the state laws. Commonly known as highway patrol officers, it’s their job to enforce traffic laws. State Troopers responsibilities also include assisting law enforcement agencies in rural areas and keeping communities safe. State Trooper is a demanding job and considered quite dangerous, which is why individuals considering the field must go through rigorous training and stringent screening process. Most states require candidates to have at least an associate degree before entering the police academy. In some states though, a high school diploma is also sufficient.

Steps to Become a State Trooper

The minimum requirements to become a state trooper may vary from state to state. In most states however, it’s recommended to have at least an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field. The following steps will guide you in how to become a state trooper.

1. Earn a College Degree

  • Before you choose a degree level, thoroughly research the minimum education requirements in your state. If your state only requires a high school diploma then you don’t have to enroll in a degree program.
  • Students in Criminal Justice Associate’s Degree program mostly learn about law enforcement, principles, criminal behavior, and criminal investigation.
  • Students opting for Bachelor’s Degree get to study some advanced courses like correctional procedures, forensic science, and criminology.

2. Application Process & Entrance Test

  • The next step is to send an application with relevant documents, after which you will be shortlisted for an entrance exam. Candidates will be tested on different abilities and skillset like communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.
  • Candidates also have to go through physical fitness and ability test, which includes timed running and sprint test, along with push-ups, and sit-ups.
  • Background investigation and polygraph test is also carried out to ensure that the candidates are honest about their intentions in becoming a state trooper.

3. Attend Training Academy & Complete the Program

  • Selected candidates have to attend training academy and the program includes both physical training and classroom work.
  • Candidates learn about constitutional laws, state laws, self-defense, firearms, emergency response, and traffic control.
  • The evaluation process further includes fitness test, vision examination, and overall health check.

State Trooper Salary and Career Outlook

A State Trooper’s responsibilities include providing assistance in the assigned areas and responding to calls in emergency situations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police and sheriff’s patrol officers that also include state troopers and highway police, will see 7% career growth between 2020 and 2030.

State Trooper Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has placed state troopers, patrol officers, and highway police in the same category as Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers, reporting an average annual mean salary of $ 70,750 in 2021.

While it varies from state to state, but state troopers enjoy health insurance, paid leaves, and generous retirement benefits.