How to become a state trooper in Maryland
The Maryland Department of State Police hires state troopers under the title Trooper. New state troopers start at $69,360 a year, rising to $131,344. You must be at least 20.
Pay
| Starting salary | $69,360 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $131,344 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-01 |
State and Natural Resources Police Salary Schedule, annual rates eff. July 1, 2026: Candidate (academy) $59,346 flat; Trooper (SNRP 0002) base $69,360 to Step 20 $131,344. Steps on hiring anniversary, must be funded annually and are not guaranteed. Promotion without competition to Trooper First Class at 3 years, Senior Trooper at 10, Master Trooper at 15 years (Master Trooper Step 20: $146,209). Prior law enforcement credit up to 9 years (start up to $97,175).
Source:[dbm.maryland.gov]
Pay for this work across Maryland
Federal survey figures for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Maryland, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 9,720 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $58,580 |
| Median pay | $77,970 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $113,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 20
- Education: High school diploma or GED (foreign diplomas must be checked for equivalency)
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, or permanent legal resident who is an honorably discharged U.S. armed forces veteran and has applied for citizenship
- Be at least 20 but not older than 59 (to be accepted into the application process)
- Valid driver's license from any state; driving record not exceeding 3 points
- Binocular far and near visual acuity 20/20 with or without correction
- No illegal controlled dangerous substance use (other than marijuana) within 3 years of applying; no marijuana within 1 year
- No current domestic-violence court orders; tattoo policy applies
Source:[mdsp.maryland.gov]
Hiring process
- Online Trooper application (part 1)
- Virtual Applicant Orientation
- Functional Fitness Assessment Test (1.5-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups; minimum 16 points)
- Written exam: National Police Officer Selection Test (POST)
- Complete and submit the full online application and required forms
- Oral board interview
- Polygraph examination and background investigation
- Medical and psychological testing
- Police Selection Committee review and ranking (Best / Better / Qualified)
- 26-week MSP Training Academy
Source:[mdsp.maryland.gov]
Entrance exam
National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). Four parts: mathematics, reading comprehension, grammar, report writing; up to three retakes; prior POST scores may be transferred if they meet MSP standards.[mdsp.maryland.gov]
Academy
26 weeks, paid. MSP Training Academy, Sykesville; live on-site Monday-Friday; 45 college credits (AAS in Police Science at no cost). Candidates paid $59,346/yr during the academy. Followed by 8 weeks of field training.[mdsp.maryland.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: State Police Retirement System (Maryland State Retirement and Pension System)
- Benefit formula: 2.55% × Average Final Compensation × years of creditable service, max 71.4% (28 years); AFC = highest five years for members joining on/after July 1, 2011
- When you can retire: Members on/after July 1, 2011: normal service retirement at age 50 regardless of service, or 25 years of eligibility service regardless of age; mandatory retirement at age 60
DROP available with 25 to under 32 years of service. Mandatory retirement age 60 per MSP careers page.
Source:[sra.maryland.gov]