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Highway Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California Highway Patrol

Receptionist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $4.4K/mo

The California Highway Patrol offers challenging and exciting careers in the field of law enforcement. If you are interested in diversity, challenges, and opportunities, the CHP invites you to apply ...

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Highway Patrol information

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$14

$28

$48

How much do highway patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for highway patrol in the United States is $28.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a highway patrol?

Highway Patrol officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for enforcing traffic laws, promoting road safety, and assisting motorists on highways and major roads. They monitor vehicle speeds, respond to accidents, and provide emergency assistance. In addition, they may investigate traffic collisions, apprehend impaired drivers, and support local law enforcement agencies when needed. Their primary goal is to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic on the nation's highways.

What does a highway patrol do?

The state highway patrol is responsible for enforcing transportation laws, assisting motorists, and working with emergency officials to manage accident scenes. In some cases, they also help law enforcement forces with emergencies. The duties of a highway patrolman are to protect the public and ensure the safety of all motorists driving on the road. They issue tickets for unsafe driving, respond to accidents, make arrests when needed, assist with vehicle towing and tire changing, and report hazardous road conditions. Qualifications vary by state but often include an entry-level law enforcement test as well as psychological, medical, and physical evaluations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway patrol officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Patrol Officer, you need comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement procedures, traffic laws, and emergency response, typically supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with radar and breathalyzer devices, in-car computers, and two-way radio systems is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing high-pressure situations and interacting with the public. These competencies ensure public safety, uphold the law, and enable swift, appropriate responses to incidents on highways.

What are some of the common challenges faced by highway patrol officers during their shifts?

Highway Patrol officers frequently encounter challenges such as responding to accidents in hazardous conditions, managing high-stress situations like traffic stops or pursuits, and ensuring their own safety on busy roadways. They must also handle a variety of incidents, ranging from assisting stranded motorists to enforcing traffic laws and detecting impaired drivers. Adaptability, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are essential to effectively handle these daily challenges and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.

What is the difference between Highway Patrol vs State Trooper?

AspectHighway PatrolState Trooper
CredentialsHigh School diploma, driver’s license, police academy trainingHigh School diploma, driver’s license, police academy training
Work EnvironmentPatrolling highways, enforcing traffic laws, accident responsePatrolling state highways, traffic enforcement, assisting motorists
Employer & IndustryState government agencies, law enforcementState government agencies, law enforcement

Highway Patrol and State Trooper roles are closely related, often overlapping in duties and qualifications. Both enforce traffic laws, respond to accidents, and work for state law enforcement agencies. The main difference is that 'Highway Patrol' is a broader term for the agency, while 'State Trooper' refers to the officers working within that agency. Essentially, a State Trooper is a member of the Highway Patrol, making their roles highly similar in daily duties and requirements.

How difficult is it to become a highway patrol officer?

Becoming a highway patrol officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing physical fitness tests, completing a training academy, and passing written and background exams. Candidates often need to develop skills in driving, communication, and law enforcement procedures, and must obtain relevant certifications or licenses. The process can take several months to over a year depending on the agency's requirements.
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What cities are hiring for Highway Patrol jobs?

Cities with the most Highway Patrol job openings:

What states have the most Highway Patrol jobs?

States with the most job openings for Highway Patrol jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Highway Patrol jobs?

For Highway Patrol jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Highway Patrol jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Patrol job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,300 per year, or $28 per hour.

Highway Patrol Trooper (Cadet)

Columbus, OH • On-site

Ohio Department of Taxation
Public Administration
Learn more about Ohio Department of Taxationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Ohio Department of Public Safety - Ohio State Highway Patrol

Report in location: 740 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

Work hours: Cadets will reside at the academy Monday through Friday

**To be considered for this position, you must apply online. Paper applications will not be accepted**

Ohio State Highway Patrol Cadet (Trooper) Requirements


Applicants MUST be or have:

  • United States Citizen
  • 20 to 39 years of age
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid Drivers License (Ohio residency must be established prior to commission)

Possible disqualifiers: Recently used any drug of abuse that was not prescribed by a physician; recently used marijuana; ever sold or established a pattern of abuse of any felony drug of abuse; pleaded guilty or no contest to, or had a conviction for, driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs within the past five years or more than one charge ever; currently in the pretrial process for any criminal charge other than a traffic violation; currently have six or more points on a driving record in any jurisdiction; ever been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to aggravated vehicular homicide or aggravated vehicular assault; failed to meet the requirements of child support statutes, or a court order relating to the subject, due to a reason other than an inability to pay; ever been an instigator in any act covered in Chapter 2907 Sex Offenses of the Ohio Revised Code; ever been convicted of domestic violence or a domestic violence related offense.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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