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State Trooper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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State Trooper information

See Michigan salary details

$51.9K

$61K

$68.4K

How much do state trooper jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for state trooper in Michigan is $61,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are State Troopers?

State Troopers are law enforcement officers who work for a state's police or highway patrol agency. Their primary duties include enforcing traffic laws on state highways, investigating accidents, and assisting local law enforcement with emergencies. They also participate in criminal investigations, provide safety education to the public, and help maintain order during natural disasters or large events. State Troopers are highly trained and often serve as the first responders to incidents on state roadways.

What is the job of a state trooper?

A state trooper is a law enforcement officer responsible for patrolling highways, enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, and maintaining public safety. They may also assist in criminal investigations, provide emergency assistance, and support other law enforcement agencies. State troopers typically undergo specialized training and hold certification to carry out their duties effectively.

Is it difficult to become a state trooper?

Becoming a state trooper typically involves meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing physical fitness tests, background checks, and written exams. Candidates often undergo training at a police academy, which can be rigorous, and must demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. The process is competitive and requires dedication and preparation.

How much do NC state troopers make?

State troopers typically earn a starting salary around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, with experienced officers making over $70,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and rank, and officers often receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What Is a State Trooper?

A state trooper is a police professional whose duties focus on highway patrol or similar state-level law enforcement activities. In this job, you work independently or with a partner. State troopers often spend their workdays on highways or interstates, and you may coordinate with local or regional law enforcement agencies. In addition to traffic law enforcement, you help motorists involved in accidents or those having vehicle troubles. Some state troopers may specialize in commercial vehicle enforcement, accident investigations, or in other areas.

What are some of the common challenges new State Troopers face during their first year on the job?

New State Troopers often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular hours and shift work, learning to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, and developing effective communication skills for interacting with diverse members of the public. Additionally, they must become proficient in state laws and procedures while balancing administrative duties with active patrol responsibilities. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help new troopers successfully navigate these initial hurdles.

What is the difference between State Trooper vs Highway Patrol Officer?

AspectState TrooperHighway Patrol Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy training, valid driver’s licenseHigh school diploma, police academy training, valid driver’s license
Work EnvironmentRural and urban roads, highways, state bordersHighways, roads, and sometimes urban areas
Employer & IndustryState government, law enforcement agenciesState government, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both State Troopers and Highway Patrol Officers serve as law enforcement officers primarily on highways and roads. They share similar credentials, work environments, and employer types. The main difference is often regional terminology; some states refer to them as State Troopers, while others call them Highway Patrol Officers. Their roles focus on traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and maintaining safety on state roads.

Are state troopers paid well?

State troopers typically earn a competitive salary that varies by state and experience level, with starting pay often around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Experienced troopers with additional certifications or specialized skills can earn higher wages, and benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance are usually included. Overall, pay is considered adequate for law enforcement professionals, but it depends on the location and department.

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

To thrive as a State Trooper, you need comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement procedures, criminal and traffic laws, and must typically complete police academy training and obtain state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radar guns, and database systems is also important. Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and sound judgment help State Troopers handle stressful situations and interact effectively with the public. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and responding efficiently to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to State Trooper jobs in Michigan? For State Trooper jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for State Trooper jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most State Trooper job openings:
What are popular job titles related to State Trooper jobs in MI? For State Trooper jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various State Trooper job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,011 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Michigan State Police Trooper / Police Officer / Statewide

State of Michigan

Dimondale, MI • On-site

$26.98 - $39.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $26.98 - $39.26 Hourly
Location : Statewide, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 5502-26-Trooper 153rd Recruit
Department: State Police Trooper Recruitment
Opening Date: 03/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: MICHIGAN STATE POLICE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION (MSPTA)
Job Description
For those looking for a career serving the community, being a role model and making a difference in many lives, has an opportunity for training and job placement with the state's law enforcement agency. A Michigan State Trooper performs a full range of law enforcement assignments and is a certified police officer by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). A trooper typically works out of a State Police post and patrols the roads of an assigned geographical area to prevent or detect traffic law violations, conduct criminal investigations, and provide a variety of related services to the public.
At the entry level of this classification, employees are initially assigned (earning a paycheck and health insurance benefits) to the Michigan State Police (MSP) where one completes the required law enforcement officer residential training program (approximately 20-21 weeks), as well as other course work and physical training intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to function as a State Police Trooper. Applicants are asked to submit three preferred post locations when receiving their conditional offer of employment with their most preferred as number one. Every effort is made to fulfill their request while balancing the personnel needs of the agency. Applicants will receive their post assignment in their Appointment Letter. Successful completion of recruit school is mandatory for continued employment. Upon graduating from recruit school, the probationary trooper at their assigned State Police post and under close supervision, begins to function as a police officer. The employee must satisfactorily complete an 18-month probationary period in this classification. Successful completion of the probationary period is mandatory for continued employment.
Click here for our informational video:
The following attachments are required to be submitted with your application (unless not applicable to you):
  • Birth Certificate
  • Driver's License
  • Social Security Card
  • High School Transcript
  • College Transcript
  • DD-214
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • (download, complete, and attach to this application)
  • (download, complete, and attach to this application)
  • (download, complete, and attach to this application)

EMPLOYMENT: You are required for this application to include any (full or part-time) employment you have ever had.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a high school diploma or GED Certificate.
Experience
No specific type or amount is required.
Applicants MUST take and PASS the NTN Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam and a Baseline Fitness Test to qualify for this position.
Applicants MUST take and PASS the MCOLES Pre-Employment Fitness Test when receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Additional Requirements and Information
Willingness to submit to a thorough background investigation designed to measure the applicant's suitability for police work.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must be a resident of the State of Michigan before graduation from the Academy.
Must be at least 21 years of age by recruit school graduation.
Must have a valid Michigan driver's license by recruit school graduation.
Must possess a satisfactory driving record.
Any marijuana use after submitting an application is prohibited and will result in a 1-year deferment from the selection process.
View the job specification at:
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. In 2022, Forbes ranked the State of Michigan in the Top 10 of America's Best Employers For New Grads and as the #1 employer for new grads in government services. More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information specific to Troopers is available at
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 01/25/2023
01
STPTPRE - Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
STPTPRE - Have you taken and passed the Entry Level Law Exam within the last five years?
  • Yes
  • No

03
STPTPRE - If you have taken and passed the Entry Level Law Exam within the last five years, please list exam date.
04
STPTPRE - Are you a US Citizen? If hired, you will be asked to produce proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship.)
  • Yes
  • No

05
STPTPRE - Have you taken and passed the Baseline Fitness Test for Law Enforcement Candidates in the last 180 days?
  • Yes
  • No

06
STPTPRE - If you have taken and passed the Baseline Fitness Test for Law Enforcement Candidates in the last 180 days, please list test date and location.
07
STPTPRE - Criminal History Convictions- Please check all that apply including expungements, HYTA, set aside, plea bargain, pre-trial diversions:
  • Convicted of a felony
  • Domestic violence conviction
  • Retail fraud conviction
  • Conviction of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (includes impaired driving) in the past FOUR years
  • Conviction of driving while license suspended or revoked in the past FOUR years
  • Two or more convictions of reckless driving in the past FOUR years
  • Felony criminal charges are pending (please explain below)
  • None

08
STPTPRE - Misdemeanor Criminal History - Please check all that apply including expungements, HYTA, set aside, plea bargain, pre-trial diversions:
  • Misdemeanor involving the use of a firearm or dangerous weapon with the intent to injure
  • Misdemeanor involving criminal sexual conduct
  • Misdemeanor involving abuse or neglect
  • Misdemeanor involving unlawful entry/breaking and entering
  • Misdemeanor involving embezzlement
  • Misdemeanor involving a moving violation resulting in death or serious impairment of a bodily function
  • Misdemeanor involving larceny, theft, or fraud
  • Misdemeanor involving retail fraud
  • Misdemeanor involving domestic assault
  • Misdemeanor involving possession of a controlled substance (drugs)
  • None

09
STPTPRE - Please provide date, offense, location, law enforcement agency and disposition of any criminal history identified above:
10
STPTPRE - Have you participated in any MSP related programs prior to your application for the Trooper 10 position? Check all that apply.
  • TEAM Programming/Community Service Trooper Presentation
  • MiYLA
  • American Legion School
  • Kiwanis School
  • Explorer Program
  • Cadet (MSP)
  • Cadet (Outside Employment)
  • Other

11
STPTPRE - If you have been in communication with a MSP Recruiter, list the recruiter's name:
12
STPTPRE - NOTICE TO APPLICANT: Please carefully review your application. By clicking on 'Accept' below, I hereby certify to the Michigan State Police that all information provided is true and accurate and contains no falsifications of misrepresentations.a. I understand that providing FALSE, MISLEADING, and/or INCOMPLETE information, including answers to Supplemental Questions, may lead to disqualification in the hiring process, a ban from future employment consideration with the Michigan State Police, or termination if employedb. I understand that I will have to produce documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility in the U.S.c. I understand that I may be required to verify any and all information given on this application.d. I understand that this completed application is the property of the Michigan State Police and will not be returned.e. I understand the Michigan State Police may verify all information submitted, including but not limited to, contacting references, prior employers, financial institutions, family members and secondary references developed by the Michigan State Police.f. I understand that a criminal history check will be conducted.
  • I accept
  • I decline

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