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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

City of Marshall, MN

Police Officer

Marshall, MN · On-site

$36.42 - $48.15/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 08/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Central Summary of ... hire. Entry-level officers are hired at Step A and advance one step each year. Lateral-entry ...

City of Marshall

Police Officer

Marshall, MN

$36.42 - $48.15/hr

... hire. Entry-level officers are hired at Step A and advance one step each year. Lateral-entry ... Summary of Police Officer position: To protect and promote public safety throughout the City ...

City of Duluth, MN

Lateral Police Officer

Duluth, MN · On-site

$89K/yr

Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer. B. Participate in Special Operations ... police officer working in a law enforcement capacity: A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer ...

City of Duluth

Lateral Police Officer

Duluth, MN

$89K/yr

Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer. B. Participate in Special Operations ... police officer working in a law enforcement capacity: A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Minnesota salary details

$31.8K

$60.9K

$101.4K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Minnesota is $60,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,869 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Police Officer - Chatfield

Minnesota City Jobs

Chatfield, MN

$69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

State Of Minnesota rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Posting The City of Chatfield Police Department is seeking a capable person for a full-time Police Officer position in a department recognized for its professional standards, training, and career development opportunities. Both entry level and experienced officers are sought. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply.

All applicants must complete a City of Chatfield "Police Officer" application which includes a take home written test. A resume is not required. Applications may be downloaded from the city's website at www.cityofchatfieldmn.gov and are also available at City Hall, 21 2nd Street SE, Chatfield, or by calling 507-867-3810.

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About State of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1967

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