ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of East Hartford

Police Officer

East Hartford, CT

$67K - $81K/yr

POSITION DEFINITION We are ONLY accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA POLICEAPP.COM The East Hartford Police Department is on the lookout for a ...

Town of East Hartford, CT

Police Officer

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$67K - $81K/yr

We are accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA Motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community are mandatory. An application and additional ...

City of Auburn

Entry Level Police Officer

Auburn, WA

$108K - $129K/yr

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

City of Auburn, WA

Entry Level Police Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$108K - $129K/yr

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

City of Gresham, OR

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

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 ...

City of Gresham

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$2M - $2M/yr

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 ...

City of Richland

$46.53 - $52.77/hr

Police The Richland Police Department is currently seeking Exceptional Entry Level Police Officer applicants. If you are currently a sworn Police Officer who works full-time for another police agency ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Police Officer Jobs

Entry Level Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

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

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level police officers?

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.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level police officers can typically start their careers at age 27, as many departments accept applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age requirements vary by jurisdiction, but physical fitness, background checks, and training are standard parts of the hiring process regardless of age. Being physically prepared and completing necessary certifications like police academy training are essential steps to entering the field at this age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

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 is the lowest level of police officer?

The lowest level of police officer is typically a probationary or entry-level officer, who has completed basic police academy training and is beginning their field duties. Advancement to higher ranks such as corporal or sergeant usually requires additional experience, training, and testing. Entry-level officers often perform patrols, respond to calls, and enforce laws under supervision.

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

Entry level police officer positions typically do not require prior law enforcement experience, but applicants must meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Having relevant skills like communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness can improve chances of hiring. Most agencies provide training after hiring, so prior experience is not always necessary.

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 is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level police officer positions are generally considered among the more accessible law enforcement roles, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a civil service exam, and completing basic training. These roles typically have a straightforward hiring process compared to specialized or federal law enforcement jobs, which may require additional qualifications or experience.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Officer jobs include:
Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Recruit and Entry Level Police Officer

Police Recruit and Entry Level Police Officer

City of Waco

Waco, TX

$24.70 - $36.49/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

City Of Waco rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Summary Starting Pay: $32.8959 per hour The Examination for Police Recruit and Entry Level Police Officer will be conducted on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM Central. Summary: To qualify as an applicant for Police Recruit and Entry Level Police Officer position with the City of Waco Police Department, the applicant must meet all requirements of the Waco Local Rules and Waco Meet & Confer Agreement: An applicant for a beginning position must serve a 12-month probationary period after being commissioned as a Peace Office. An applicant for a beginning position must take an eligibility exam

An applicant for a beginning position must successfully pass the TCOLE certification within 12 months of passing the eligibility exam. Applicants who currently hold a TCOLE Peace Officer License and have less than 2 years of continuous service as a commissioned Peace Officer are eligible to apply as an Entry Level Police Officer. Applicants who currently hold a TCOLE Peace Officer License will not be required to attend the Academy.

THE CITY OF WACO SEEKS: Are you looking to serve your community, make a difference in people's lives, and build camaraderie with your coworkers. Waco Police Department is accepting applications for the next group of Police Recruits to join the WPD family. Apply with the WPD today.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Required: High School Diploma or GED equivalent Fifteen (15) hours of college credit from an accredited institution with at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, OR Two (2) years of active-duty military experience from the US Armed Forces with an honorable discharge. Must be a minimum of twenty (20) years of age to apply, must be 21 by the Police Academy completion date Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License. Must be a United States Citizen

Additional Information: Upon reviewing your application, you will receive an e-mail with additional requirements you MUST COMPLETE to go through the Police Recruit process. Completed Background Packets must be submitted to the Waco Police Department Personnel Unit by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Open the hyperlinks below to review the STUDY GUIDE and the Police Agility Course. https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Police-Department/PD-Employment/About- the-Position https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Police-Department/PD-Employment/Employment-Fitness-Test POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under close supervision, attends training from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and Waco Police Department (WPD) to obtain Basic Peace Officers License and certification

PRIMARY DUTIES: Attends classroom training sessions and takes notes required to obtain Basic Peace Officer Certification. Completes and passes written, oral and skills proficiency examinations for a wide variety of required Peace Officer skills and knowledge and maintains required levels of proficiency. Participates in physical conditioning training and testing and maintains required levels of physical fitness.

Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Successful performance in and progression through Police Academy training.

Ability to testify in court proceedings. Performs other duties as required or assigned. Operates department vehicles to patrol the City for criminal activity, suspicious behavior, and safety hazards; respond to emergency calls related to crimes in progress, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and dangerous situations; enforce traffic laws; and transport individuals to appropriate facilities.

What City Of Waco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply