How to become a state trooper in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Highway Patrol Division hires state troopers under the title State Trooper. New state troopers start at $68,652 a year, rising to $96,181. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $68,652 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $96,181 |
AZDPS recruiting page: cadet trooper earns $64,118.08/yr in the basic academy; on graduation and certification, promoted to trooper (entry level) at $68,652, topping out at $96,181 after a nine-step progression (step timing not stated).
Source:[azdps.gov]
Pay for this work across Arizona
Federal survey figures for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Arizona, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 12,010 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $60,990 |
| Median pay | $78,880 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $98,560 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- At least 21 at the time of academy graduation
- Valid Arizona driver's license by the starting date
- Some Highway Patrol districts have their own residency requirements
- Must accept assignment anywhere in the state
Source:[azdps.gov]
Hiring process
- Submit completed application packet
- Screening for minimum qualifications
- Written examination
- Physical fitness test
- Polygraph examination
- Background investigation
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical examination
- Pre-employment drug testing
Source:[azdps.gov]
Entrance exam
AZDPS written examination. 100-item multiple-choice test; minimum passing score 70%. No formal test name given.[azdps.gov]
Academy
36 weeks, paid. State Trooper Academy (STA) in Phoenix, described as a 36-week program; the same page's pay section says 'approximately 30 weeks'. Cadets are paid $64,118.08/yr. Followed by 12 weeks of field training. Residential status not stated.[azdps.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), Tier 3 (hired on or after July 1, 2017)
- Benefit formula: Average monthly salary (highest 5 consecutive years within the last 15 years) x credited service x multiplier: 1.50% (15 to <17 yrs), 1.75% (17 to <19), 2.00% (19 to <22), 2.25% (22 to <25), 2.50% (25+); 80% max
- When you can retire: 15+ years of service and minimum age 55 (need not be mutually attained); reduced early retirement at 15 years and age 52.5
Tier 3 membership is DB or DB plus DC 401(a) depending on the employer's Social Security status (DC-only option also exists). Pensionable income capped at $140,952 (A.R.S. 38-843.04, reset every three years).
Source:[psprs.com]