ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Police Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Friendswood

Police Officer

Friendswood, TX · On-site

$33.98 - $44.08/hr

Enrolled in a TCOLE accredited entry-level program (police academy); * 3 years of Active Duty in ... New hires not certified will be classified as Cadet and will receive an annual salary of $54,250.56 ...

Adams County

Reserve Deputy

Brighton, CO

You must have been through a full police academy and are currently still POST certified or were ... The Adams County Sheriff's Office offers testing services for the Academy Cadet position through ...

Adams County, CO

Reserve Deputy

Brighton, CO · On-site

You must have been through a full police academy and are currently still POST certified or were ... The Adams County Sheriff's Office offers testing services for the Academy Cadet position through ...

Ellis, County of (TX)

Deputy

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

$83K/yr

YOU MUST BE 21 TO APPLY Deputy Cadet - Salary: $73,000.00 annually Deputy Step 1 - Salary: $83,220 ... Participate in community based police activities and programs. Perform tasks relative to courthouse ...

Ellis County

Deputy

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

$83K/yr

YOU MUST BE 21 TO APPLY Deputy Cadet - Salary: $73,000.00 annually Deputy Step 1 - Salary: $83,220 ... Participate in community based police activities and programs. * Perform tasks relative to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Police Cadet Jobs

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.
More about Entry Level Police Cadet jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Cadet jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Cadet job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Cadet jobs? The most popular types of Police Cadet jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Cadet jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Cadet jobs include:
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:
Entry Level Police Cadet jobs near you
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.
Police Officer

Police Officer

City of Friendswood

Friendswood, TX • On-site

$33.98 - $44.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

UP TO $ 15,000.00 HIRING INCENTIVE FOR QUALIFIED TCOLE-CERTIFIED OFFICERS
Starting Pay $ 70,686.00 - $91,686.00
Lateral Officer Receive 1 TO 1 FOR EXPERIENCE
The City of Friendswood is currently hiring for full-time POLICE OFFICERS, with the Police Department. The successful candidates will be responsible for the performance of routine patrol, crisis intervention and preliminary criminal investigations in an active, problem-solving partnership with the community. Applicants must demonstrate good human relation skills and be able to work well with all segments of the public.
Applicants must meet only ONE of the following requirements:
  • TCOLE Certified;
  • Enrolled in a TCOLE accredited entry-level program (police academy);
  • 3 years of Active Duty in the U.S. Armed Forces with an Honorable Discharge; or
  • Possess 60 accredited college hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

* New hires not certified will be classified as Cadet and will receive an annual salary of $54,250.56 while attending the academy. Upon graduating the academy and passing the TCOLE Licensing Exam, the employee will receive a change in status to police officer and pay will be adjusted to $70,686.00 annually.
Lateral transfers come over year for year (1 to 1)
Police Officer Benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, TMRS Retirement - 7% with 2 to 1 match (20 year retirement), 14 paid Holidays, 3 Personal Days, 15 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, Military Leave, Overtime or Comp-Time; Academic Incentive Pay - Associates $1200/year, Bachelors $1800/year, Masters $2400/year, TCOLE Certification Pay - Intermediate $2100/year, Advanced $2700/Year, Master $3300/year, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Longevity Pay.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM EMAIL ACCOUNT FOR FOLLOW UP EMAILS REGARDING INFORMATION ON HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR BACKGROUND PACKET

Apply