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Police Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Gardena, CA

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA ยท On-site

$87K/yr

Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police training as well as attending a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy to prepare the ...

City of Gardena

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA ยท On-site

$87K/yr

A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police ...

City of Antioch

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA ยท On-site

$66K/yr

Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a ...

City of Antioch

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA ยท On-site

$66K/yr

Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a ...

City of Antioch, CA

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA ยท On-site

$66K/yr

Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position. Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a ...

Town of Los Gatos, CA

Police Trainee

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$62.89/hr

The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. If selected, the Town will compensate you at an hourly rate while you attend ...

City of Pasadena

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$88K/yr

The City of Pasadena is embarking on a hiring process for Police Trainee. ***For this application filing period, the City of Pasadena will not administer a written exam; candidates who meet the ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$88K/yr

The City of Pasadena is embarking on a hiring process for Police Trainee. ***For this application filing period, the City of Pasadena will not administer a written exam; candidates who meet the ...

City of Santa Maria

Police Trainee

Santa Maria, CA

Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus. *THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT ...

City of Santa Maria, CA

Police Trainee

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$3.1K - $3.8K/wk

Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus. *THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT ...

City of Montebello

POLICE TRAINEE

Montebello, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Participates in assigned in-service training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify the incumbent for certification as a police officer; assists in the performance of a wide ...

City of Montebello, CA

POLICE TRAINEE

Montebello, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 08/31/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Max Number of Applicants: 50 This position is set to receive the following salary adjustments based on the ...

City of Montebello

POLICE TRAINEE

Montebello, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Participates in assigned in-service training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify the incumbent for certification as a police officer; assists in the performance of a wide ...

City of Glendora, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

The Police Trainee participates in a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), in a non-sworn capacity. The ...

City of Glendora

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

The Police Trainee participates in a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), in a non-sworn capacity. The ...

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All JobsPolice JobsPolice Trainee JobsPolice Trainee Jobs in California

Police Trainee information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$48.3K

$69.5K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in California is $48,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,169.00 and $57,284.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police trainee?

Police Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified police officers. They typically participate in a police academy program where they learn about law enforcement procedures, criminal law, physical fitness, firearms handling, and community interaction. During this period, trainees receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced officers. Upon successful completion of the training program, they may be eligible for appointment as probationary police officers.

What should I expect during the field training phase as a police trainee?

During the field training phase, Police Trainees are paired with experienced officers who act as mentors and evaluators. You will rotate through different shifts and assignments, gaining hands-on experience responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and interacting with the community. This period is designed to build your confidence and competence while providing real-time feedback on your performance. Expect a fast-paced environment where adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are key. Trainees are closely monitored and regularly assessed to ensure they meet department standards before moving into solo patrol duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic legal knowledge, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, stress management, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure safety, uphold public trust, and support effective law enforcement in diverse and challenging situations.

What is the difference between Police Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic police academy trainingComplete police academy; sworn law enforcement officer
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty in the field, enforcing laws
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies during trainingFull-time law enforcement agencies

Police Trainees are in the training phase, focusing on learning laws and procedures under supervision. Police Officers have completed training and are responsible for patrolling, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents. The trainee role is a stepping stone to becoming a fully sworn officer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in California?

The most popular types of Police jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Police Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Police Trainee job openings:

Police Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,287 per year, or $23.2 per hour.