Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet

Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet Salary and Benefits

Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet Salary: $70,008.00 Annually

Location: Multiple Locations, Statewide, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Job Number: 123rd_TBTC_2026

Department: Washington State Patrol

Trooper Cadet Opening Date: 02/03/2026

Closing Date: 5/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

About the Agency

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency made up of dedicated professionals who train and work hard to improve the quality of life and prevent the unnecessary loss of life on a daily basis.

Mission Statement

The Washington State Patrol makes a difference every day, enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities by providing the best in public safety services.

Vision

To be the best public safety agency in the United States.

Motto

Service With Humility

Job Description

As a Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet, you will be committed to serving all communities with compassion, integrity, and humility. 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct active patrol of assigned area and respond to calls for service during day and/or night shift
• Observe and identify condition of vehicles to enforce compliance with laws, rules and regulations
• Conduct proper, safe, and high-risk traffic stops or contacts
• Operate a patrol vehicle under normal and emergency situations
• Pursue potential violators or other persons with patrol vehicle or on foot
• Visually and physically search suspects and vehicles for weapons, paraphernalia, contraband, or evidence of crimes
• Communicate with persons in emotional states (hysterical, intoxicated, suicidal, etc.)
• Identify impairment and perform alcohol and drug impairment sobriety tests on subjects
• Detain/arrest subjects with handcuffs or other restraints
• Inform violators of violations and legal procedures
• Use appropriate force to protect life, property, and restore order
• Assist stranded, disabled, or injured motorists by changing tires, arranging for tow trucks, jump starting cars, etc.
• Inspect and maintain operability of issued equipment (e.g., gun, laser, flashlight, uniform, vehicle parts)
• Provide manual traffic control at events or as needed
• Transport persons in patrol vehicle (citizens, suspects, etc.)
• Coordinate towing and storage of vehicles
• Assume control and direct law enforcement personnel and the public at collision/incident scenes until relieved by superior officer
• Respond to critical incidents and civil disorder to protect life, property, and restore order

Qualifications

• Be a United States Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America
• Be 19½ years old at time of application
• Possess a current, non-probationary, and non-restricted valid drivers license
• Possess a high school diploma from a state sanctioned and recognized school, GED, or associates or higher from an accredited college
• Successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination
• Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Successfully pass a departmental medical examination
• Successfully pass a departmental psychological examination
• Be able to obtain a Washington State drivers license and maintain such licensure during employment with WSP
• Be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call
• Be free from the use of narcotics or controlled substances
• Be willing to accept statewide assignments

Benefits

• $10,000 retention bonus
• Monthly salary of $5,834.00 ($70,008 annually)
• Promotion to Trooper after successful completion of training
• Step increases (as indicated in the chart below) until reaching fifth year of commissioned service
• 2% longevity increase every five years of commissioned service
• Shift differential pay, education incentive pay, geographic pay, and specialty pay
• Paid leave time and benefits
• Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

How to Apply

To be considered, you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire application in order to be considered.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim veterans preference MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

G.I. Bill Education Benefits

Candidates entitled to G.I. Bill education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a supplemental monthly check while participating in an on-the-job training program.

Hiring Standards and FAQs

Hiring Incentive: Applicants are eligible for a $10,000 retention bonus.

Compensation

• Trooper Cadets receive a monthly salary of $5,834.00 ($70,008 annually)
• After successfully completing the required training, Trooper Cadets are promoted to Trooper and will receive a Troopers monthly salary of $7,611.00 ($91,332 annually)
• Step increases (as indicated in the chart below) until reaching fifth year of commissioned service
• 2% longevity increase every five years of commissioned service

Employee Benefits

• Medical, dental, and basic life insurance
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance
• Dependent care assistance
• Auto, boat, home, and renter insurance
• Washington Wellness program
• Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Social Security
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Holidays and Leave

• Paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year
• Bereavement leave
• Military leave
• Sick leave
• Vacation (annual leave)
• Parental leave
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Leave without pay

Application Process

To be advanced forward in the hiring process for this position, WSP must receive passing test results from Public Safety Testing. A passing score is equivalent to 70% or higher.

Additional Information

• If you have not yet taken the written and physical test with Public Safety Testing, please visit www.publicsafetytesting.com to register for the next available testing date.
• If you have already completed the required testing, please indicate this on your application.
• If you have not completed the required testing, please indicate this on your application.

Supplemental Information

• Hiring Incentive: Applicants are eligible for a $10,000 retention bonus.
• Compensation: Trooper Cadets receive a monthly salary of $5,834.00 ($70,008 annually).
• Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, and basic life insurance, basic life and long-term disability insurance, dependent care assistance, auto, boat, home, and renter insurance, Washington Wellness program, retirement and deferred compensation, social security, and public service loan forgiveness.

Questions?

Please contact the Trooper Cadet Unit via email at TrooperCadetUnit@wsp.wa.gov.

Check us out on:

• WSPs Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn