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State Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electronic Design Engineer

Olympia, WA · Hybrid

$84K - $113K/yr

The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly ...

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State Patrol information

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$37

How much do state patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for state patrol in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are State Patrol officers?

State Patrol officers, also known as State Troopers, are law enforcement officials responsible for enforcing traffic laws and ensuring public safety on state highways and interstates. Their duties often include patrolling roadways, investigating accidents, assisting motorists, and supporting local law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations. They may also be involved in specialized tasks such as commercial vehicle enforcement or drug interdiction. State Patrol officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and order across their state's transportation network.

What are some common challenges faced by State Patrol officers during daily patrols?

State Patrol officers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable traffic situations, responding quickly to emergencies, and ensuring public safety on highways. They must remain vigilant for impaired or reckless drivers, handle accident scenes efficiently, and often work long hours in varying weather conditions. Additionally, officers regularly interact with the public, which requires strong communication skills and the ability to de-escalate tense situations. Team collaboration with other law enforcement agencies is also common, especially during large-scale incidents or investigations.

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

To thrive as a State Patrol officer, candidates need strong knowledge of law enforcement procedures, physical fitness, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, with completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radar and breathalyzer equipment, and sometimes certifications like POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) are typical requirements. Excellent judgment, calm under pressure, and strong interpersonal and communication skills help officers effectively serve the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring public safety, enforcing laws, and maintaining professionalism during critical incidents.

What is the difference between State Patrol vs Highway Patrol?

AspectState PatrolHighway Patrol
CertificationsPeace officer certification, driver’s licensePeace officer certification, driver’s license
Work EnvironmentStatewide law enforcement, traffic enforcement, accident investigationHighway and road enforcement, traffic control, accident response
Employer & IndustryState government agencies, law enforcementState government agencies, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both State Patrol and Highway Patrol officers are law enforcement professionals working for state agencies. They often perform similar duties such as traffic enforcement and accident investigation. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, with 'State Patrol' being more common in some states and 'Highway Patrol' in others. Both roles require similar certifications and operate within the same industry environment.

Do state troopers make 100k?

State troopers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with overtime, experience, and rank advancements. However, typical base salaries vary by state and experience level, with many earning between $50,000 and $80,000 initially. Achieving a $100,000 salary often requires additional pay for specialized assignments or overtime.
What cities are hiring for State Patrol jobs? Cities with the most State Patrol job openings:
What states have the most State Patrol jobs? States with the most job openings for State Patrol jobs include:
Infographic showing various State Patrol job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

On-Site Interpreting (OSI) Opportunity - Spokane County

Prisma International, Inc.

Spokane, WA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Prisma International, Inc. (Prisma) is actively seeking qualified, professional Interpreters, to join our team as Independent Contractors. As an Interpreter at Prisma, you will be supporting our State of Washington client with on-site (in person) interpretation (OSI) assignments in Spokane County. There may be opportunities for over-the-phone (OPI) and/or video remote (VRI) assignments.

Interpreters needed for interpretation between English and the following languages:

  • Spanish (US) - #1 requested language, plus the following
  • Arabic
  • Burmese
  • Chinese-Cantonese
  • Chinese-Mandarin
  • Chin (all variants)
  • Dari
  • Farsi
  • Hindi
  • Hmong
  • Japanese
  • Khmer (Cambodian)
  • Korean
  • Laotian
  • Mixteco (Bajo and Alto)
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Samoan
  • Somali
  • Swahili
  • Thai
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese

Please note: This work requires, at minimum, a Washington State Patrol (WSP) background check and residency in the state of Washington. If you've previously undergone a detailed WSP background check (or higher clearance), you would be eligible for a fast-tracked security screening process. 

Job Description:

Ideal Candidate shall be able to provide:

  • Experience with consecutive or simultaneous on-site interpretation between a government representative and non-English speakers
  • Polite forms of expression, enunciation, and a high-level of customer service. 
  • Deliver correct concepts and meanings between speaker and the Limited English Proficient (LEP) speaker.
  • Correct grammar, clarity and tones between the two languages.
  • Experience with following the speakers' direction, professionally interject when clarification is needed, and manage the flow of a conversation.  
  • Refrain from side conversations with the LEP and entering into any disagreement with the customer or LEP
  • Compliance with applicable ethics and standards
  • Experience in the healthcare, legal, medical, government or court industries.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • At least one (1) year of on-site consecutive or simultaneous interpreting experience
  • Two (2) professional references that can vouch for your work as an on-site consecutive or simultaneous interpreter
  • Minimum age: Must be 18+ years or older 
  • Minimum education: Must have High School Diploma
  • Must reside in the state of Washington
  • Full fluency in English and demonstrated native or near-native level proficiency in target language
  • Able to provide at least one of the following accreditations:
    • Washington State Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) Language Testing and Certification (LTC).  
    • American Translation Association (ATA)
    • Trained or accredited through a higher education institution

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

Interpreters must have an active Washington State Patrol background check OR be able to provide a background clearance greater than a Washington State Patrol background check. 

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Experience working with Washington State agencies such as WA Department of L&I, WA State Patrol, WA Department of Agriculture, WA Department of Commerce, etc.

IMPORTANT APPLICANT SECURITY NOTICE:

Prisma will never ask for payment information or fee transfers during recruitment or employment preparation. Legitimate outreach for information will only originate from official @prisma.com email addresses.