Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet

About the Department

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
 
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 people of Washington. Becoming a trooper is the first step toward building a career in one of many different specialty 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.

Position Duties

Position Purpose:
As general authority peace officers, Washington State Patrol Troopers uphold the Constitution of United States, Washington State constitution, laws, and statutes for the protection of its citizens.
 
Scope and Nature:
As a Washington State Trooper, 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. Troopers identify and enforce criminal and traffic law violations in assigned geographical areas as well as support criminal prosecutions through the use of statutory arrest authority, search, investigation, and court proceedings. You will be required to expedite safe flow of traffic and assist with collision response and investigations. Troopers provide assistance to motorists, crime victims, the public, and governmental bodies. You will serve on committees or assist with projects dedicated to topics such as public safety and crime prevention as well as participate in specialty assignments and other duties as assigned.

Tasks you can expect as a WSP Trooper:

• Conduct active patrol of assigned area and respond to calls for service during day and/or night shift, to ensure assigned area has patrol coverage 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.
• Observe and identify condition of vehicles to enforce compliance with laws, rules and regulations.
• Use a speed-measuring device to estimate speed of vehicles, identify suspicious behaviors and deception, etc.
• Conduct proper, safe, and high-risk traffic stops or contacts, including issuing verbal warnings, tickets, or effecting arrests, and take appropriate enforcement action for violations.
• Operate a patrol vehicle under normal and emergency situations while handling multiple tasks (observing, listening, reading, communicating on radio, etc.).
• Perform high-risk vehicle maneuvers including pursuit immobility techniques (PIT) maneuvers, road blocks, and deployment of spike strips to stop fleeing vehicles.
• 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.).
• ldentify 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.
• Clear roadway from disabled cars, debris, damaged cars, and other traffic hazards to expedite flow of traffic and highway safety.
• 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. May also be called to duty to support critical incident response, which may occur 24 hours, 7 days a week.
• Physically remove persons from dangerous situations.
• Survey extent of damage and/or injuries at scene and collect, preserve, and document evidence of potential crimes according to procedure.
• Investigate collisions, misdemeanors, felonies, and suspected criminal activity.
• Maintain court-related knowledge (case law, procedural law, penal code, etc.).
• Obtain and serve arrest warrants and book violators according to procedure.
• Interview persons (suspects, witnesses, etc.) and research to collect facts and information for investigations.
• Document evidence and situations for reports of investigation (write, diagram, perform basic math calculations, etc.).
• Testify in court regarding criminal arrests, collision investigations, infractions.
• Administer basic emergency first aid to victims.
• Notify next of kin and other persons when loss of life occurs.

Minimum Qualifications

The WSP has four phases to our hiring process:
 Phase 1:   Physical fitness test and written test (Conducted by Public Safety Testing).
 Phase 2:  Polygraph.
 Phase 3:  Background Investigation, Oral Interview.
 Phase 4:  Psychological test, Psychological Interview w/ Psychologist, Medical exam.

Minimum Requirements:

• Be a United States Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America.
• Be 19½ years old at time of application.
• Must speak, write, and read English Language.
• Possess a current, non-probationary, and non-restricted valid driver's 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 driver's 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.
• Current military must be within six (6) months of your ETS date.  Please contact the WSP Human Resource Division (HRD) if you have any questions.
  
  

Applicant must be of good moral character. Indications of a lack of good moral character include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
• Intentional deception or fraud or attempted deception or fraud in any application, examination, or other document.
• Acts or conduct that would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the individual's honesty, fairness, respect for the rights of others, or for the laws of the state and/or the nation.
• Conduct that adversely reflects on the individual's character to perform the duties of a trooper.
• Any applicant with a history of domestic violence shall be eliminated as an employee candidate at that point in the hiring process per RCW 10.99 and the Washington State Patrol Regulation Manual, Chapter 8.00.320. RCW Mandate - Will apply to all trooper cadet and CVEO applicants.

Applicants must possess the following physical abilities, skills, and traits:

• Ability to see, hear, smell, feel, walk, jump, run, climb, lift, drag, carry.
• Ability to jump into a vehicle, jump over guardrails, and change a tire.
• Ability to shoot a pistol, rifle, and shotgun with either hand.
• Ability to distinguish colors and be free from color blindness and night blindness.

Must be able to learn and demonstrate the following job requirements after being trained by the department:

• Knowledge of First Aid.
• Knowledge of when and when not to use force, up to and including firearms.
• Communicate clearly when using radio equipment.
• Operate a standard-issue patrol vehicle unaided.
• Knowledge of when to use emergency lights and siren.
• Ability to demonstrate the proper use of all issued equipment.
• Ability to provide credible courtroom testimony.

Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Other Qualifications

Hiring Incentive:
Applicants are eligible for a $10,000 retention bonus. The first $5,000 will be awarded on successful completion of the Trooper Basic Training Class. The second $5,000 will be awarded after successful completion of a probationary period as a Trooper.

Compensation: 
Trooper Cadets receive a monthly salary of $5,950.68 ($71,408.16 annually). After successfully completing the required training, Trooper Cadets are promoted to Trooper and will receive a Trooper's monthly salary of $7,763.00 ($93,156 annually).

Once a Trooper has reached six months from their commissioned date they will receive step increases (as indicated in the chart below) until they reach their fifth year of commissioned service. After a Trooper reaches their fifth year of commissioned service, they will receive 2% longevity increase every five years of commissioned service.
 

Commissioned Time	Monthly Base Pay
0 – 6 months	$7,763
6 mo. - 1.5 years	$8,227
1.5 - 2.5 years	$8,721
2.5 - 3.5 years	$9,243
3.5 - 4.5 years	$9,798
4.5 - 5 years	$10,389
5 - 10 years	$10,701
10 - 15 years	$10,912

 
Additional Compensation Incentives:

• Shift Differential Pay, Education Incentive Pay, Geographic Pay, and Specialty Pay, as well as Paid Leave Time and Benefits. 
• Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more here.
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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. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. Veterans’ preference will not be applied unless the required documentation is attached to your application.
 
For additional information on veterans’ preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
 
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. The Trooper position with the Washington State Patrol is a position that requires on-the-job training. Veterans may also qualify for other VA benefits entitled to them while training. To learn if you are eligible, please call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.
WSP's Hiring Standards and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.

Questions?
Please contact the Trooper Cadet Unit via email at [email protected].

Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov