How to become a state trooper in Washington
The Washington State Patrol hires state troopers under the title Trooper. New state troopers start at $93,156 a year, rising to $137,640 after about 25 years. You must be at least 19.5.
Pay
| Starting salary | $93,156 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $137,640 |
| Years to top | 25 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-01 |
WSPTA commissioned salary schedule (Appendix B, effective July 1, 2026), PS group 901: Trooper 0-0.5 yrs $7,763/mo ($93,156 = monthly × 12) rising by step to 25+ yrs $11,470/mo ($137,640). July 1, 2025 schedule: $7,611 to $11,245/mo. Trooper Cadet pay during the academy is $5,834/mo ($70,008/yr) per the Be A Trooper page. Differentials: geographic 10% King, 5% Snohomish, 3% Pierce, 7% outposts; 5% night shift; 2% associate / 4% bachelor's degree. Bonus: $5,000 after the academy + $5,000 after the one-year probation.
Source:[wsp.wa.gov]
Pay for this work across Washington
Federal survey figures for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Washington, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 9,160 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $79,120 |
| Median pay | $102,080 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $132,200 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 19.5
- Education: High school graduate or equivalent
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- At least 19.5 years old at time of application
- Valid driver's license
- No felonies or DUIs
- Pass the physical fitness test, background investigation and polygraph
Source:[wsp.wa.gov]
Hiring process
- Pass written exam and physical fitness exam through Public Safety Testing (PST); complete Personal History Statement
- Apply on the State of Washington job site
- Polygraph and background check
- Oral board
- Psychological and medical exam
- WSP Training Academy (about 26 weeks), then 10-week Field Training Officer coaching trip
Source:[wsp.wa.gov]
Entrance exam
Public Safety Testing (PST) written exam. Written and physical fitness exams are administered through Public Safety Testing.[wsp.wa.gov]
Academy
26 weeks, paid. About 26 weeks of basic training at the WSP Academy in Shelton, a 'live-in' academy (cadets may leave on weekends), followed by 10 weeks of field training. Cadets are paid from the first day of work. Laterals: minimum 5 weeks plus 4-week field training.[wsp.wa.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) Plan 2, administered by the Department of Retirement Systems
- Benefit formula: 2% × service credit years × Average Final Salary (average of highest 60 consecutive months); maximum 75% of AFS
- When you can retire: Full benefit at any age with 25 service credit years, or age 55 with any service credit; mandatory retirement by the first of the month after turning 65
Plan 2 applies to members commissioned on or after January 1, 2003. Employee contribution 8.75% of salary.
Source:[drs.wa.gov]