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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Police Opening Date: 06/04/2026 Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

Police Officer

Forest Grove, OR

$80K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Click here to view the full Entry Level Police Officer position profile To Apply: Visit the NTN website and locate the City of Forest Grove's job announcement. All applicants must submit required ...

Police Officer

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Department Opening Date: 07/29/2026 Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific This is an informational post ONLY outlining the hiring process for Entry Level Police Officers with the City of ...

Police Officer-Entry Level

Eugene, OR

$80K - $103K/yr

  • Life

  • Retirement

... can apply to the Lateral Police Officer posting. Salary Step Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Hourly Rate* $38.87 $40.79 $42.77 $44.92 $47.19 $49.55 Entry Level All ...

Police Officer

Independence, OR · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

Upon completion of the entry level exam and ORPAT testing, all candidate scores are automatically ... If you have already completed the ORPAT and/or the Police Officer Selection Test with another ...

Lateral Police Officer

Albany, OR · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you do not meet the definition for a lateral police officer as noted below, please apply through our Entry Level posting, if currently open. Entry level applications submitted through this posting ...

Police Officer-Entry Level

Eugene, OR · On-site

$38.87 - $40.79/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

All Entry-Police Officers will start at Step 1. Applicants with a minimum of 3 years of full-time ... Entry Level ----- Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base ...

Lateral Police Officer

Albany, OR · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you do not meet the definition for a lateral police officer as noted below, please apply through our Entry Level posting, if currently open. Entry level applications submitted through this posting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Oregon salary details

$34.4K

$65.7K

$109.4K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Oregon is $65,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $78,800.00 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 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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,709 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Tigard

Portland, OR

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and testing process, or visit Join Tigard Police. Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our YouTube channel.

Examples of Duties Tigard Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention work, including patrol and investigation. Sworn officers enforce state and local laws, regulations and ordinances and perform a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following: Responds to a variety of radio calls including theft, domestic disturbances, welfare checks and CPR calls. Investigates crashes, deaths, and criminal complaints.

Makes arrests and issues citations when required. Patrols roads, highways, businesses and residential areas of the City. Enforces applicable criminal and traffic laws.

Prepares case records and reports. Participates in the prosecution of cases in court. Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.

Accomplishes the Police Department Mission to "To protect and serve all who live, play and work in Tigard." The Tigard Police Department provides a variety of career possibilities for Police Officers in specialty assignment positions including K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis Negotiations, TNT (Tactical Negotiations Team), Commercial Crimes Unit, Drug Investigations and more. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Completion of high school or GED One (1) year of experience working with the public Some college-level coursework and/or volunteer law enforcement experience desirable REQUIREMENTS: Must be a US citizen Must be 21 years or older at time of hire Possess a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license Must be legally authorized and physically able to carry a firearm Ability to work all shifts, including swing, nights, weekends, holidays on a rotating basis Must be able to read and write the English language Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred Applicants must have the ability to learn and apply laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and procedures; ability to give credible testimony in a court of law; ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws and department policies; ability to prepare accurate, concise, informative and grammatically correct reports; ability to understand and act upon complex oral and written instructions; ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and all levels of City staff. Supplemental Information TESTING PROCESS: The City of Tigard partners with the National Test Network (NTN) to administer a portion of the entry level police officer testing (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement)

In-person and remote testing options are available. A list of frequently asked questions and answers are available here. Please be aware there is a fee associated with taking this test.

Proctored tests at alternative sites (NTN Testing Centers) are available upon request. For additional information, interested candidates are encouraged to call 855-821-3761. Sign Up for Testing on the National Testing Network website: Go to National Testing Network Law Enforcement Positions.

Scroll to Tigard Police Department and check the box to select our agency, hit continue. Confirm you meet the requirements, hit continue. Select your testing location (in-person or virtual), hit continue and follow the additional instructions.

Please note: if you don't have an account with NTN you will need to create one. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants who pass the reading, writing and video portions of the NTN test with a score of at least 70% each will be invited to submit a job application (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement). An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once verified NTN scores are received.

HIRING PROCESS: Take the NTN test (must pass with at least 70%) or submit a degree waiver via email Candidates will receive an email to schedule an in-person panel interview called an Oral Board Take a Pre-Offer Suitability Evaluation (test proctored at Tigard Police Department) Pass an Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) (see details below) Background Investigation (detailed and time-intensive process that can take weeks to months to complete) Interview with the Chief of Police Upon a conditional job offer, you will be required to undergo: Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination Drug Test OREGON PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (ORPAT): The Tigard Police Department will request proof of passing the ORPAT within the last 12 months prior to entering the background process. We use the ORPAT as a screening tool to help select the most qualified applicants to continue in our application process for police officer positions. Applicants may provide ORPAT scores from other agencies or testing companies, however, we require all the standards set by the DPSST (obstacle course, push pull complex, dummy drag).

Please watch the ORPAT video from DPSST for more information. If you have not yet completed the ORPAT, several local testing options are available. The Tigard Police Department hosts ORPAT testing days on occasion.

UNION RESPRESENTION: TPOA (Tigard Police Officers' Association)