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Entry Level Police Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Cadet

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $23.10/hr

This is an entry level position for the Police Department, law enforcement experience is not ... Police Cadet job duties will be varied, depending on their assignment, but at a minimum will entail ...

Police Cadet

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $23.10/hr

This is an entry level position for the Police Department, law enforcement experience is not ... Police Cadet job duties will be varied, depending on their assignment, but at a minimum will entail ...

Supplemental Information The Southfield Police Cadet Program is used as an applicant pool for hiring entry-level probationary Police Officers. However, participation in the Cadet Program does not ...

Police Cadet

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$20/hr

Supplemental Information The Southfield Police Cadet Program is used as an applicant pool for hiring entry-level probationary Police Officers. However, participation in the Cadet Program does not ...

Police Cadet (86498)

Erie, CO ยท On-site

$35.10/hr

Police Cadet (While in academy) $35.10/hour ($73,008/year) Police Officer - Entry Level (After graduating from the Academy and P.O.S.T. certified) $40.21/hour ($83,628/year) Below is our 5-step pay ...

New

Police Cadet

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$16.89 - $18/hr

POLICE CADET (Part-Time Temporary Position Up to 12 Months) $16.89/hourly -$18.00/hourly Open until ... entry-level positions at the Authority. Cadets may also obtain the experience and develop the ...

Police Cadet

Lauderhill, FL ยท On-site

$74K/yr

The Police Academy prepares the cadet to become an entry-level law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. Employees in this classification perform practical skills and simulated activities that ...

$74K/yr

The Police Academy prepares the cadet to become an entry-level law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. Employees in this classification perform practical skills and simulated activities that ...

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Entry Level Police Cadet information

See salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do entry level police cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level police cadet in the United States is $23.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you apply to be a police officer with no experience?

Entry level police cadet positions typically do not require prior law enforcement experience. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training before becoming officers. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness can improve chances of acceptance.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level police cadet positions are generally among the easiest law enforcement jobs to obtain, as they often require minimal prior experience and serve as a stepping stone to full police officer roles. These positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a background check, and completing basic training or academy programs. Factors such as local hiring needs and applicant qualifications can influence ease of entry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Cadet vs Police Officer Trainee?

AspectEntry Level Police CadetPolice Officer Trainee
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some agencies may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; some training programs may require college coursework
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often in a police academy or departmentOn-the-job training, supervised patrol duties, and academy sessions
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments during recruitment and training phasesPolice departments during initial training before becoming sworn officers

Both roles serve as entry points into law enforcement, focusing on training and skill development. A Police Cadet typically participates in structured training programs, while a Police Officer Trainee is actively learning on the job under supervision. The main difference lies in their stage of training and responsibilities, but both require similar educational backgrounds and serve as pathways to becoming a sworn police officer.

How hard is it to become a police cadet?

Becoming an entry-level police cadet typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing a written exam or physical fitness test. The process can be competitive and may involve interviews and training, but it is generally accessible to individuals who meet the basic qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to law enforcement.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level police cadets can typically start at age 21 or older, and 27 is not considered too late to pursue a career in law enforcement. Many departments value maturity and life experience, which can be advantageous in police work. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical and background tests, and complete police academy training regardless of age within the department's age requirements.
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Police Cadet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Police Cadet jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Cadet job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,896 per year, or $23 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION TITLE: Police Cadet

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Law Enforcement

SUPERVISOR: Police Chief

GRADE: NE7 $15.29 ($31,807.36) - $22.93 ($47,694.40)

Position Summary:

The Washoe Tribe Police Department is seeking individuals with an interest in serving the Washoe Tribe Communities with a career in law enforcement. The Police Cadet is an entry level, non-safety position that will participate in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including attending a Police Academy.

The Police Cadet is the police trainee classification designed specifically and solely for the purpose of employing police officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial basic police officer academy training. Incumbents will be afforded the opportunity to be appointed to and sworn in as a probationary entry-level police officer with full police authority upon successful and satisfactory completion of academy training. Candidates hired as Police Recruits will be expected to complete a 12-month probationary period from the time of hire. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

ยท Attend a basic Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police officer training academy designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, police practices and procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning.

ยท Participates in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including field training under direct supervision for the purpose of developing awareness of functions, activities and responsibilities of a police officer.

ยท Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, federal/state/ local agencies and associations, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California administration and staff, and the public.

ยท Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

ยท High School Diploma or GED. Must be 21 years of age.

ยท No felony convictions. No misdemeanor convictions related to Domestic Violence or moral turpitude. No DUI convictions within seven (7) years.

ยท Must be able to successfully pass a medical examination, physical fitness test, pre-employment drug/alcohol screen, psychological evaluation, voice stress analysis and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

ยท Basic understanding of criminology and the Criminal Justice System.

ยท Basic understanding of principles of mathematics.

ยท Basic knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

ยท Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.

ยท Basic understanding of standard office procedures, practices and equipment.

ยท Basic understanding of modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.

ยท Knowledge of methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

ยท Ability to successfully and satisfactorily complete the Nevada POST basic academy (Category I); learn laws, police practices and procedures, and first aid.

ยท Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.

ยท Ability to interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately.

ยท Ability to organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team.

ยท Ability to make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response.

ยท Ability to follow written and oral directions, observe safety principles, and work in a safe manner.

ยท Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

ยท Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

ยท Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

ยท Ability to safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Physical Demands:

Strength: Heavy Work - Lifting, carrying and/or pushing 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Vision: Corrected to 20/20 in one eye, 20/30 in the other. Hearing: Sufficient to communicate via radio. Physical fitness: Sufficient to climb, crawl, sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

โ€ข Incumbents are subject to mandatory overtime and shift rotation.

โ€ข Periodically required to train and qualify in the use of firearms, vehicles and specialized law enforcement practices and equipment.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors where exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists may occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground, in remote, steep, rugged, mountainous areas with unimproved dirt roads and trails. Situations may occur where prolonged sitting, driving, walking, or waiting is required. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required. Travel required for academy training.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

  • Negative alcohol and drug screen
  • Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
  • Obtain or possess a valid driverโ€™s license for either the state of Nevada or California within 30 days

ยท Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribeโ€™s driving policy

ยท Preference will be given to qualified Native American Indians.