“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. Troopers patrolling the highways are the most visible part of the agency and provide the best in public safety services to the citizens of Washington. Becoming a trooper is the first step toward building a career in one of many different areas. In the Washington State Patrol, you’ll have the chance to explore various options on which you can create the professional life you want.
Specialties
Aviation
Bomb Squad
Canine
Detective
Narcotic
Auto Theft
High Tech Crime
Organized Crime
Motorcycle Patrol
Collision Reconstruction
Technical Collision Investigator
Internal Affairs
Missing and Exploited Children
Drug Recognition Expert
Executive Protection
Capitol Security
Homeland Security
Honor Guard
Training Officers
Field Training Officer
Training Academy
Bicycle Patrol
Corporal
Sergeant
Lieutenant
Captain
SWAT
Technical Collision
Investigators
Instructor
Benefits
| Salaries | ||
| Position | Monthly | Yearly |
| Trooper Cadet Pay | $5,333 | $63,996 |
| Starting Trooper Pay | $6,316 | $75,792 |
| Trooper with 5+ Years | $8,706 | $104,472 |
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.
For example, a newly commissioned trooper working the night shift in King County would make $87,160 annually.
More Than A Paycheck
Of course, it isn’t all about money. Because this is much more than just a job. In the Washington State Patrol, you’ll have the fulfillment of serving your community and making our state a better place to live.
Continuing Education
We will pay for you to continue pursuing your degree. There is a 2% raise for a associate degree, and 4% for a bachelor degree.
Health Insurance
WSP offers more health care options 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
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
Process
Phase 1 – Pass the Five-Step Hiring Process
Step 1 – Pass a Written Exam and Physical Fitness Exam through Public Safety Testing (PST), you can sign up here. You cannot move forward in the process without a thorough and completed Personal History Statement (PHS). This document can be found on your PST account.
Step 2 – Once you’ve completed your PST, you will need to create an account on the State of Washington’s job site and fill out an application.
Step 3 – Polygraph and Background Check
Step 4 – Oral Board
Step 5 – Psychological and Medical Exam
Phase 2 – Attend the WSP Training Academy
Once you’ve completed Phase 1, you’ll be ready to attend the WSP Training Academy! This is a six month academy followed by a 10 week coaching trip with a Field Training Officer.
You will be challenged, but we also want to make the process as smooth as possible. We’re here to assist you in any way we can. Our recruiters are able to help guide you through the process. They’ll give you insights, advice, and answer any questions you might have. Find out how to contact them below.
Contact a Recruiter
Trooper Bryan Villanueva
Eastern Washington Region
(360) 485-8753 (Cell) | 
Bryan.Villanueva@wsp.wa.gov
