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Police Trainee Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Police Trainee information

See Austin, TX salary details

$21.1K

$48.4K

$69.7K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in Austin, TX is $48,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,247.00 and $57,399.00 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 Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Police Trainee jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Police Trainee job openings:

Police Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,384 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Traffic Management Center Operator Trainee

MCA Communications

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are hiring entry-level Traffic Management Center Operators to join our team at a major traffic operations center in Austin. You will monitor highway cameras, detect incidents, and help coordinate emergency response across hundreds of miles of roadway — keeping Austin moving safely 24/7.

Shift

  • 8:30pm - 7:00AM
  • 10 Hours Shifts Overnight
  • Sunday through Wednesday

What You'll Do

  • Monitor live highway camera feeds for crashes, debris, and disabled vehicles
  • Log and track incidents using traffic management software
  • Dispatch emergency responders and roadside assistance via radio, phone, and email
  • Update dynamic highway message signs to alert drivers
  • Answer after-hours calls and coordinate with the appropriate teams
  • Support major events and weather emergencies as needed

Requirements

  • Minimum 1 year of relevant experience within the past 3 years
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Must pass a background check (including FBI fingerprint-based check)
  • Valid Texas driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Must complete required radio and incident management training upon hire
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken)

What to Expect

You'll start under the supervision of experienced operators and work toward full certification within 120 days. Pre-employment and random drug testing required. All background check costs are covered.

Ideal Candidates

This role is a great fit for candidates with experience as a 911 dispatcher, emergency communications operator, or police/fire/EMS dispatcher. We also welcome applicants from airport or transit operations centers, utility/energy control rooms, military communications roles, security operations centers, or freight/truck dispatch. If you're used to shift work, multi-screen monitoring, radio communication, and coordinating fast-moving situations under pressure — we want to hear from you.


Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off


Work Location: In person

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