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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of La Vista

ENTRY LEVEL Police Officer

La Vista, NE · On-site

$35.41/hr

... Police Officer. The La Vista Police Department is a well-respected and modern full service law ... For planning purposes, tentative Entry Level Applicant testing dates (subject to change) are ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

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$32.5K

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$103.5K

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

As of Jul 4, 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 Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Port Townsend

Port Townsend, WA • On-site

$37.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

POLICE OFFICER - ENTRY LEVEL
CIVIL SERVICE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested in becoming a Police Officer?
The City of Port Townsend does not currently have any vacancies for Police Officers, but interested prospective applicants may test through Public Safety Testing (info below) and request to have exam scores sent to the City of Port Townsend. Exam scores will be valid for two years.
Public Safety Testing administers the initial written and physical agility tests required for Police Officer hiring. See their website for valuable test preparation information.
Upcoming testing dates include: July 11 in Bellingham, July 12 in Auburn, July 14 in Lynnwood, July 18 in Spokane, July 19 in Ellensburg, July 22 in Tukwila, July 25 in Vancouver, July 29 in Lynnwood, July 31 in Olympia, August 4 in Lynnwood, and August 8 in West Richland, plus several in-home opportunities throughout the month.
Once you successfully complete the initial testing and your Public Safety Testing test scores are submitted to the City, you will be invited to complete your application and be eligible for an interview invitation.
YOU MAY ONLY APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY INVITATION, AFTER COMPLETING THE INITIAL TESTING PROCESS WITH PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING
Residency requirement: All entry level police officers must reside with fifty (50) road miles of Port Townsend city limits within six months of graduation from the WA State Criminal Justice Academy.
  • WA State LEOFF pension plan
  • Optional 457 Deferred Comp with 50% match of up to 4% base earnings
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance through WA Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund *
  • Time loss/short-term disability insurance
  • Retirees' Welfare Trust funded by employee
  • Life & AD&D insurance
  • Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
  • May be eligible for sick leave conversion annually
  • Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
  • 12 paid holidays accrued at 10 hours per month **
  • Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

COMPENSATION
Base pay: $37.39 per hour until graduation from the Criminal Justice Academy, then start at $41.53 (step 1 of 5-step system ending at $47.67)
Total compensation range for police officers: $37.39-51.96 per hour (including maximum potential longevity, educational incentive, and specialty pay)
This position may be eligible for the additional compensation listed below. Details can be found in the :
  • Annual increases after graduation from the Academy until at step 5
  • Longevity pay on a graduated schedule starting at 1% after 2 years up to 9% after 20 years
  • Educational incentive: 3% for Associate's degree; 5% for Bachelor's degree
  • Overtime pay
  • Compensatory time
  • Holiday pay (if scheduled or called in on a holiday)
  • Specialty pay of 1% for assignments such as detective or Field Training Officer
  • Jury duty pay at regular rate during service
  • Call-back pay
  • Plain clothes assignment and laundry allowance, when assigned by Chief

* Teamsters initiation fee is $100 and monthly dues are 2.25 of hourly wage x the base hourly rate rounded to the nearest dollar.
**Officers may be required to work on holidays.

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