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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

Police Officer - ENTRY-LEVEL

Bexley, OH · On-site

$71K - $119K/yr

Purpose of Work WAITLIST: Entry Level Police Officer The City of Bexley is currently accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officers. Interested candidates may apply here to join the waitlist ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

$58K - $132K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description      MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (MTA) ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER **Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply** Attractive Retirement and Benefits Package Provided Salary starts at $58,758.00 - Increased upon graduation from the academy. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking Entry Level Police Officers to join the existing MTA force serving MTA Bus, Metro, Light Rail and MARC Train/Commuter Bus Systems. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is recruiting for Entry-Level Police Officers

This is an intermediate level of law enforcement work at the MTA. The duties for this position will include but are not limited to: enforcing laws; rules and regulations governing the protection of personnel and State property; performing safety and security duties patrolling in automatic transmission motor vehicles or on foot; responding to trespassers and suspicious persons; directing vehicular traffic and enforcing parking regulations; issuing verbal and written warnings or issuing summonses and make arrests; investigating accidents and criminal acts; writing clear and accurate accident and/or unusual incident reports in accordance with agency guidelines; responding to disturbances and emergencies; rendering emergency first aid; transporting suspects in State vehicles; and performing other related duties and participating in additional training as required. This position will care for and bare firearms.

Qualifications Position Requirements: Age/Citizenship: At least 20 years of age and a citizen of the United States. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate recognized by the State of Maryland. Selection Process: 1.

Written Examination 2. Physical Agility Test 3. Oral Interview 4.

Background Investigation 5. Polygraph Examination 6. Medical Examination Once your application is reviewed and accepted by Human Resources, you will receive written notification for a scheduled written examination date.

You must pass the written examination in order to move to the next step in the process. A six (6) month waiting period is required for those individuals who have previously taken the written exam for this position. *Only candidates who meet all other qualifications may be selected to attend the academy.

Licenses & Certifications Required Documentation: Upon passing the written examination, the candidate will need to provide the following documentation: 1. A recent copy (not over 30 days) of your non-certified total driving record (NOT 36 months) available from the MVA. Instructions can be found by visiting https://www.marylandmva.com/DriverServ/DrRecord/default.htm

2. Photocopy of your current Driver's License Please Note: A driver's license valid in the State of Maryland and a good driving record is required; driving record must be within MTA standards (no more than 2 moving violations in the last 3 years; no more than 3 moving violations in the past 5 years; and not more than 4 current points). Additional Information Employees should adhere to all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements to support a safe and healthy working environment.

Employees may attend and participate in safety meetings and should report hazards, unsafe acts, near misses, injuries, and accidents immediately to the Office of Safety and supervision. To support a safe and healthy work environment, employees must refrain from willful violations of safety rules and procedures, reckless and negligent behavior, involvement in criminal activities, and the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Failure to adhere to this requirement may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

May only perform work for which they have the appropriate safety training. TO APPLY You must complete a Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) application (Form MJ-45) to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes may not be substituted for the application.

It is essential that the application is filled out completely and accurately, listing all relevant experience and addressing the specific requirements shown above. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for within MDOT, one of the modal administrations, or the Authority. Applications not completely filled out will not be considered.

The selected candidate may be subject to background and reference checks. Employees are subject to the State Substance Abuse Policy to include possible drug testing. The incumbent in this position may be a member of a covered bargaining unit.

Applications must be completed and submitted online by registering at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd.Make sure you meet the minimum and selective qualifications and follow the instructions on MDOT's Online Employment Center website. Selected candidates may be subject to background and reference checks. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S

will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/). MTA Does Not Discriminate Based On: Age, Ancestry, Color, Creed, Gender Identity or Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Mental or Physical Disability, National Origin, Race, Religious Affiliation, Belief or Opinion, Sex, or Sexual Orientation

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided as requested. The Maryland Department of Transportation is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

Federal regulations prohibit H1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees; all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer. TTY call 711 TTY Users May Also Call Their Telecommunications Relay Service The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Issued Date: 01/27/25