1

Trooper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Executive Assistant

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$68K - $106K/yr

Demonstrated event and travel coordination experience including multi-day troupe or incentive travel. REQUIRED SKILLS: * Proficiency with business collaboration tools such as MS Office applications ...

Executive Assistant

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$68K - $106K/yr

Demonstrated event and travel coordination experience including multi-day troupe or incentive travel. REQUIRED SKILLS: * Proficiency with business collaboration tools such as MS Office applications ...

Trooper information

See Minnesota salary details

$49.5K

$92.6K

$178.3K

How much do trooper jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for trooper in Minnesota is $92,597.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $106,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trooper?

Troopers are law enforcement officers who typically serve within a state's highway patrol or state police department. Their primary responsibilities include enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, assisting motorists, and providing support during emergencies. In addition to patrolling highways and rural areas, troopers may also be involved in specialized units such as K-9, SWAT, or drug interdiction teams. Their duties often require extensive training, physical fitness, and adherence to strict ethical standards. Becoming a trooper usually involves completing a police academy program, passing background checks, and ongoing professional development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trooper?

To thrive as a Trooper, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, physical fitness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technologies such as radio systems, body cameras, incident reporting software, and firearms certification is important. Strong judgment, integrity, calmness under pressure, and effective communication skills help Troopers excel in challenging and dynamic situations. These abilities are vital for ensuring public safety, enforcing laws, and building trust within the community.

What are some common challenges troopers face when working in diverse communities?

Troopers often serve in a wide range of communities with varying cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. One common challenge is building trust and effective communication with residents who may have different perspectives or experiences with law enforcement. Troopers are trained to approach situations with cultural sensitivity and professionalism, but adapting to each community's unique needs requires patience, continuous learning, and collaboration with local organizations. Overcoming language barriers and addressing community-specific concerns are also part of the role, making adaptability and empathy key qualities for success.

What is the difference between Trooper vs Highway Patrol Officer?

AspectTrooperHighway Patrol Officer
CredentialsState-specific law enforcement certification, driver’s licenseState law enforcement certification, driver’s license
Work EnvironmentPatrolling highways, enforcing traffic laws, accident responseEnforcing traffic laws, assisting motorists, highway safety
Employer & IndustryState police agencies, highway departmentsState police agencies, highway patrol divisions

Both Troopers and Highway Patrol Officers work for state law enforcement agencies, primarily focusing on highway safety and traffic law enforcement. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Trooper' is more common in certain states, while 'Highway Patrol Officer' may be used in others. Their roles, credentials, and work environments are very similar, with the main difference being regional terminology.

What are popular job titles related to Trooper jobs in Minnesota?

For Trooper jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Trooper job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $92,597 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer - Rochester

Minnesota City Jobs

Rochester, MN • On-site

$40.52 - $56.17/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


State Of Minnesota rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Posting Lateral candidates are experienced law enforcement officers who have enough full-time experience as a police officer, sheriff's deputy, state trooper, or in a comparable sworn law enforcement position and may to be eligible to complete an expedited Rochester Police Department training program. Eligibility for lateral entry will be determined by the Rochester Police Department based on the candidate's prior law enforcement experience, training, job knowledge, and demonstrated skills. Starting salary for lateral officers will be determined based on relevant experience, job knowledge, and level of skill.

We look forward to your application. Learn more and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rochester/jobs/5441411/police-officer-lateral


What State Of Minnesota employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Minnesota logo

About State of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1967

Social media