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Be A Trooper

Roadway to Your Future

“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.

With over 18,000 miles of state highway, troopers are dedicated to improving quality of life and preventing unnecessary loss. This is accomplished through a variety of avenues, including identifying and enforcing criminal and traffic law, responding to and investigating collisions, conducting misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, expediting the safe flow of traffic, providing assistance to motorists, victims of crime, the general public, and governmental bodies, and collaborating with allied law enforcement agencies.

With all that we do, there are unique career opportunities and places to not only work and live but thrive in the state.

Specialties

Aviation
Canine
Detective
Narcotic
High Tech Crime
Organized Crime
Motorcycle Patrol
Collision Reconstructionist

Technical Collision Investigator
Commercial Enforcement Division
Internal Affairs
Missing and Exploited Children
Drug Recognition Expert
Executive Protection
Capitol Security
Homeland Security
Honor Guard

Bomb Squad
Bicycle Patrol
Corporal
SWAT
Investigators
Academy Instructor
Human Trafficking
Field Training Officer

Benefits

Salaries
Position Monthly Yearly
Trooper Cadet Pay $5,493 $65,916
Starting Trooper Pay $6,505 $78,060
Trooper with 5+ Years $8,967 $107,604

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.

We also offer 2% for an Associate’s Degree and 4% for a Bachelor’s Degree.

For example, a newly commissioned trooper working the night shift in King County would make $89,769 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 Briana Feller
Puget Sound Region
(360) 522-3940 (Cell) |
Briana.Feller@wsp.wa.gov

Trooper Bryan Villanueva
Eastern Washington Region
(360) 485-8753 (Cell) |
Bryan.Villanueva@wsp.wa.gov

Trooper Heather Axtman
Eastern Washington Region
(509) 590-5698 (Cell) | 
Heather.Axtman@wsp.wa.gov

Trooper Briar Stanley
Northwest Region
(425) 941-7242 (Cell) |
Briar.Stanley@wsp.wa.gov

Trooper Angie Reyes
Puget Sound Region
(253) 753-4478 (Cell) |
Angie.Reyes@wsp.wa.gov

Trooper Steven Townsend
Southwest Region
(360) 703-4859 (Cell) |
Steven.Townsend@wsp.wa.gov

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