How To Become a State Trooper: Everything You Need To Know

Updated February 3, 2023

Law enforcement careers can be a good option for individuals who have a strong sense of justice and prefer a career that takes place outside of an office setting. State troopers are responsible for upholding state laws, which can help keep residents safe. If you're interested in learning more about this career, understanding how to become a state trooper can be a good place to start. In this article, we explain how to become a state trooper, list the minimum requirements and skills necessary for the role, share the average salary they earn and answer eight FAQs.

What does a state trooper do?

State troopers, also known as state police or highway patrol officers, patrol state highways to enforce traffic laws. They may also assist other law enforcement agencies in more rural areas. Some of their primary duties include:

Making arrests
Providing detailed written reports to record events
Performing searches of vehicles and buildings
Aiding in investigating crime scenes
Gathering evidence
Monitoring suspects
Responding to calls
Patrolling areas

State troopers keep communities and roadways safe, which can be a challenging responsibility. This means that individuals entering this field undergo training and testing to assess their ability to handle this often challenging career. Related: Learn About Being a State Trooper

How to become a state trooper

These steps can guide you in becoming a state trooper:

1. Earn a college degree

The education requirements to become a state trooper vary by state. For instance, Maine only requires their state troopers to have a high school diploma or GED before applying. Most states require that candidates earn at least an associate degree before attending the academy. Though any degree is acceptable, a degree in criminal justice or another related field might benefit your career as a state trooper and give you an advantage over other candidates. Students that study criminal justice take courses that focus on the following:

Policies and laws
Criminal investigations
Criminal procedures
Police supervision
Criminal behavior

Some states accept relevant experience as a substitution for their education requirements. Veterans and police officers can often use their previous service instead of a college degree. This service usually includes any time in the reserves, National Guard or armed forces.Related: How To Get a Criminal Justice Degree

2. Apply to the state trooper training academy

For your application to the state trooper training academy, you may benefit from a resume and cover letter. Ensure that both adequately communicate:

Relevant education
Relevant professional experience
A passion for law enforcement.

Part of the application process could also include a basic abilities test. This can test the comprehension and critical thinking skills of candidates, which can help determine their likelihood of being successful at the academy.Related: State Trooper vs. Sheriff: What's the Difference?

3. Attend the state trooper training academy

The training academy to become a state trooper incorporates physical fitness training and classroom instruction. These courses vary in length depending on the state and can last as long as 24 weeks. During their time at the academy, students learn about the following:

Firearms
Emergency response protocols
Traffic control
Self-defense
Constitutional and state laws
Civil rights.

There are stringent physical fitness requirements to become a state trooper, so candidates may consider beginning their physical training before attending the academy.

4. Pass tests and physical requirements

After completing training, prospective state troopers must pass various examinations, including:

Overall health examination: There's a standard health examination performed on all potential law enforcement officials. Healthcare professionals assess the vision and overall health of candidates is to determine their fitness for this demanding profession.

Physical fitness assessment: Instructors may measure a candidate's stamina, speed and strength by asking them to perform various physical fitness tasks. These include timed running, pushups, sit-ups, flexibility testing and vertical jump assessments.

Physical abilities test: A physical abilities test can measure a candidate's ability to perform essential job-related tasks. Instructors may test their capabilities through various physical tests, such as carrying a weighted dummy, climbing a wall and running within a universal time limit.

Background check: Background can help ensure that candidates don't have any problems from the past that could inhibit them from becoming a state trooper.

Polygraph test: Assessors may use polygraph tests to test the honesty of prospective state troopers.

Law enforcement psychological examination: This exam uses various assessment tools to build personality profiles for candidates. It measures a candidate's honesty, intelligence, maturity, and ability to handle stress.

Related: 17 Jobs That Keep You Fit

Minimum requirements for becoming a state trooper

Before you apply to become a state trooper, it's important to ensure you fit the minimum requirements. The specifics of these requirements may vary from state to state. Here are a few common areas that may have minimum requirements:

Age: Some states require candidates to be between the ages of 20 and 35.

Education: Education requirements may include a high school diploma, college degree or equal work experience.

Conduct: To work as a state trooper, it's important that you've a history of good behavior and no previous felony convictions.

Citizenship: Most states require those applying to the position of State Trooper to be US Citizens.

Vision and health: While health and vision requirements may vary by state, most have standard requirements to ensure state troopers are physically fit enough to perform their duties.

Qualities of effective state troopers

Though you can learn most of the necessary skills for becoming an effective state trooper in the academy, some inherent characteristics can ensure success in this field. Some of these traits include:

Interpersonal skills: As a state trooper, interpersonal skills can help you interact with the public effectively.
Critical thinking skills: Being able to think of innovative and creative solutions can be beneficial in this line of work.
Persistence: Maintaining the ability to respond quickly, regardless of fatigue, is imperative as a state trooper.

Related: 13 Skills for a Police Officer

What is the average salary of a state trooper?

The national average salary for law enforcement officers like state troopers is $44,295 per year. The highest paying cities for these careers include New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada. State troopers may also receive benefits alongside a salary. Here are a few common benefits for law enforcement officers:

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off (PTO)
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
401(k)

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Read more: How Much Do State Troopers Make?

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8 frequently asked questions

Here's a list of eight frequently asked questions for those who want to become a state trooper:

1. What is the job outlook for state troopers?

While demand for this position may vary by geographical location, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 7% rate of growth for the overall employment of police and detectives over the next decade. This rate of growth is as fast as the average rate for all jobs in the United States. If you're interested in improving your job security, becoming a state trooper might be right for you.

2. Is there growth potential in the state trooper field?

State troopers can advance to different ranks within the field. These ranks include:

Senior trooper
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant

You can gain advancement through experience and continued education.Related: 8 Law Enforcement Job Ranks (And How To Gain a Higher Rank)

3. Is being a state trooper dangerous?

As with any occupation in law enforcement, being a state trooper can be dangerous at times. You could encounter weapons, combative individuals and vehicular dangers. To improve your safety at work, you may receive training on how to deal with these situations while in the state trooper academy.

4. Do state troopers have to do a lot of paperwork?

There's paperwork involved in this line of work. State troopers write tickets and fill out the necessary paperwork after an arrest or incident. For this reason, strong writing and communication skills can be helpful for these professionals. Related: How To Write a Statement (Plus Types and Examples)

5. Do state troopers have to be witnesses in court?

State troopers are often called in to be witnesses and provide testimonies in court. They may give information about traffic citations and arrests. This makes honesty and public speaking skills important traits for state troopers.

6. Are there any licenses or certifications required to become a state trooper?

There aren't any certification courses required to perform duties as a state trooper. Typically, state troopers need a valid driver's license to perform their duties effectively. To maintain an active driver's license and provide a positive example for citizens, it's important to avoid driving infractions as a state trooper.Related: Differences Between Law Enforcement Jobs

7. Do state troopers arrest criminals?

At times, state troopers do make arrests. After an arrest, it's the duty of the state trooper to transport the arrested individual to the nearest police facility. The trooper may then complete a report to document the case.

8. Once I become a state trooper, can I work in any state?

The specific requirements for transferring to another state may depend on the state to which you wish to move. Some states allow you to transfer without completing additional training. Others require you to complete their specific requirements beforehand.

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