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Septa Transit Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Septa Transit Police information

See salary details

$24K

$60.6K

$84K

How much do septa transit police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for septa transit police in the United States is $60,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SEPTA Transit Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SEPTA Transit Police Officer, you need law enforcement training, a high school diploma or GED, and state certification as a police officer. Familiarity with police communication systems, surveillance technology, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong situational awareness, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities help officers effectively interact with the public and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safety of transit passengers and staff, enable effective law enforcement, and foster public trust in the transit system.

What is the difference between Septa Transit Police vs SEPTA Transit Security Officer?

AspectSepta Transit PoliceSEPTA Transit Security Officer
CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationSecurity training, sometimes state-specific security licenses
Work EnvironmentEnforces laws, responds to emergencies, patrols transit systemMonitors stations, assists passengers, reports security issues
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agency within SEPTASecurity contractor or SEPTA security division

Septa Transit Police are sworn law enforcement officers with police authority, trained to enforce laws and respond to emergencies. SEPTA Transit Security Officers focus on safety, customer service, and monitoring transit areas without law enforcement powers. Both roles work within the transit industry but differ significantly in authority and training.

What are SEPTA Transit Police?

SEPTA Transit Police are law enforcement officers responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers, employees, and property within the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) transit system. They patrol trains, buses, trolleys, and stations, enforce laws, investigate crimes, and respond to emergencies on SEPTA property. The department works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to maintain a safe transit environment across the Philadelphia region.

What are the most common challenges faced by SEPTA Transit Police officers on the job?

SEPTA Transit Police officers often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds during peak travel times or special events, addressing fare evasion, and responding quickly to incidents on moving vehicles or within busy stations. Officers must also be prepared to handle a diverse range of emergencies, from medical situations to criminal activity, sometimes with limited backup. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.
What cities are hiring for Septa Transit Police jobs? Cities with the most Septa Transit Police job openings:
What states have the most Septa Transit Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Septa Transit Police jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Septa Transit Police jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Septa Transit Police jobs are:
Infographic showing various Septa Transit Police job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,629 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
SEPTA Transit Police Officer (0007) - 1234 Market

SEPTA Transit Police Officer (0007) - 1234 Market

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Secure your FUTURE with SEPTA today!
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region. SEPTA has become an integral force in the economic success of the Philadelphia region, providing an efficient and reliable source of transportation.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION:
Since 1981, the SEPTA Transit Police Department has been dedicated to keeping customers safe and secure, while protecting SEPTA property and staff.
SEPTA Transit Police Officers are responsible for policing the entire regional SEPTA system, covering an area of five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) and three states (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania).
Nearly 220+ officers serve and protect within the 2,200 square-mile SEPTA service area. There are three patrol districts, allowing officers to easily respond to emergencies while empowering them to quickly make decisions and address local issues.
The SEPTA Transit Police Department extends beyond the regular beat with units of specially trained officers. These units receive an additional level of training and provide specialized support in policing a public transit system.
OVERVIEW TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER:
Join the SEPTA Transit Police Department
SEPTA's Recruitment Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Transit Police Officer
for the next Police Academy class starting January, 2026
Salary range: Starting rate in Police Academy (as of 8/31/25) $64,529 - increases to $71,243 after graduation. Future increases up to $85k+.
SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:
  1. Enforces rules or regulations.
  2. Interviews witnesses to obtain information about incidents.
  3. Prepares investigation or incident reports.
  4. Patrols properties to maintain safety.
  5. Maintains surveillance of individuals or establishments, records information about suspicious objects.
  6. Apprehends criminal suspects.
  7. Collaborates with other law enforcement while responding to incidents.
  8. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities.
  9. Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • *Be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
  • *Must possess a high school diploma or GED,
  • *Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • *Must pass the Pennsylvania State (MPOETC) physical fitness requirements
  • Click on or copy the following link into your address bar to find the specific physical fitness requirements for your age and gender: Transit Police Officer Physical Requirements
  • Prior to undergoing formal officer training, recruits are required to pass a reading exam, medical screening, physical agility test, polygraph and psychological exams.
  • Assuming recruits meet these qualifications, they will receive academy training at a program certified by the Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission alongside their municipal counterparts. Upon completion of this training, they will attend in-service training and orientation. Officers will also attend an additional 40 hours of training annually to retain their certification

SEPTA BENEFITS:
SEPTA provides outstanding benefit and retirement programs:
Medical Benefits - Current HMO annual premium contribution = 2.5% of 40-hour hourly rate
These plans have no employee annual premium contribution:
  • Prescription Benefits Program
  • Dental Benefits
  • Vision Benefits

Additional benefits we offer:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • SEPTA employment also qualifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
  • SEPTA Transportation Pass - FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation
  • Tremendous training opportunities

TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER COMPENSATION:
SEPTA Police Officers' salaries on the level of Police Departments throughout the Philadelphia region.
  • $64,529 annually (as of 8/31/25) - Starting rate for six months at the Police Academy
  • $71,243 annually - After academy to 12 months of service
  • $81,091 annually - 13 to 24 months of service
  • $85,191 annually - After 24 months of service
  • Officers with previous service in other Police Departments, will receive up to 3 years of service credit.
  • There are no residency requirements for SEPTA Police Officers.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
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