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Highway Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nc

$33K - $59K/yr

Agency NC State Highway Patrol Division NC State Highway Patrol Job Classification Title Highway Patrol Telecommunicator (S) Position Number Grade NC05 About Us The North Carolina State Highway ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$33K - $59K/yr

Agency NC State Highway Patrol Division NC State Highway Patrol Job Classification Title Highway Patrol Telecommunicator (S) Position Number Grade NC05 About Us The North Carolina State Highway ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

How much do NC state troopers make?

Highway patrol officers, such as state troopers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Salaries can increase with years of service, specialized training, and additional certifications, and officers often work in shifts that include nights and weekends.

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.

Do CHP officers make good money?

Highway Patrol officers, such as state police or highway patrol officers, typically earn a competitive salary that varies by state and experience level. They often receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, with starting salaries generally ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually and increasing with experience and rank.

What highway patrol pays the most?

Highway patrol officers in states like California, New York, and Illinois tend to have higher average salaries due to larger budgets and higher living costs. Factors such as experience, rank, and location influence pay, with supervisory roles and specialized units often earning more. Certification and law enforcement experience are also important for higher-paying positions.

What are Highway Patrol officers?

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 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.

What Does the 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.

Is it hard to get hired by CHP?

Becoming a Highway Patrol officer typically requires passing written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and completing training at a police academy. The hiring process can be competitive due to the job's demanding nature and strict qualifications, but candidates with relevant skills and preparation have a good chance of success.
More about Highway Patrol jobs
What cities are hiring for Highway Patrol jobs? Cities with the most Highway Patrol job openings:
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Highway Patrol jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Patrol job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,300 per year, or $28 per hour.
Highway Patrol Trooper (Cadet)

Highway Patrol Trooper (Cadet)

Ohio Department of Aging

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 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**
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
  • Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
  • Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
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.
Ohio Department of Aging logo

About Ohio Department of Aging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Ohio Department of Aging, based in Columbus, OH, US, is within the healthcare and service industry, primarily serving older individuals and their care providers throughout the state. As a state government agency, its key role is to ensure the provision of quality services and supports that assist older Ohioans to live healthier, safer and more productive lives. The department functions through the official website, ohio.gov. It was established with a mission to position the State of Ohio on the leading edge of solution-driven innovation for the challenges and opportunities presented by Ohio's rapidly aging population.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US

View All Ohio Department of Aging Jobs

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