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Trooper Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Probationary Trooper who successfully completes the twelve (12) month probationary period including the required Field Training Program (FTO) as defined by the Department, will advance to Trooper I ...

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Trooper information

See Texas salary details

$47K

$88.1K

$169.6K

How much do trooper jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for trooper in Texas is $88,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $101,600.00 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 Texas?

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

What job categories do people searching Trooper jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Trooper jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Trooper jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Trooper job openings:

Infographic showing various Trooper job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $88,082 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

DPS - TOD - C- 2027 Recruit Trainee

CAPPS

Austin, TX • On-site

$4.2K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Complete the supplemental questions and apply online to be considered for the Recruit School.

  • Participate in a 30-week training program that includes physical and mental challenges, with some weekends included.

  • Perform duties such as apprehending traffic law violators, investigating rural traffic crashes, recovering stolen vehicles and property, apprehending wanted persons, and assisting other agencies after graduation.


Job description

Job Description
SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions, please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or log in and access your profile.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met: 11, 18, 31, 35, 03, 23, 58, 1N, 3P, 75.
JOB SUMMARY
Starting pay: $5,872.97 monthly or $70,475.64 yearly, based upon the calculation of the current 10hour day, 50hour work week.
Physical Readiness/Written Test Deadline C2027: March 5, 2027
Applicants must apply online and complete the PRT/Written tests by the deadline for consideration to the C2027 Recruit School.
The duty of this position requires the applicant to live on campus. The length of the Recruit School is 30 weeks. The training will include some weekends. The training challenges the recruits both mentally and physically, including a strenuous physical fitness program.
After Recruit Graduation, you will receive a stipend check for $5000. If an employee receiving a recruitment bonus under this section discontinues employment, the employee shall refund the Department an amount to be determined by Human Resources.
During the duration of the school, the Recruit will earn $70,475.64 ($5,872.97 monthly) and upon graduation will advance to Probationary Trooper and will earn $76,231.32 ($6,352.61 monthly).
Peace officers are defined by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2A.001.
Probationary Trooper who successfully completes the twelve (12) month probationary period including the required Field Training Program (FTO) as defined by the Department, will advance to Trooper I salary of $90,545.04 ($7,545.40 monthly) until they reach four (4) years of law enforcement experience to be eligible to advance to the Trooper II salary.
Troopers completing the required Field Training Program (FTO) as defined by the Department and have at least four (4) years of verified fulltime prior experience as a fulltime peace officer in any state within the United States will advance to Trooper II salary of $110,376.72 ($9,198.06 monthly).
Troopers completing the required Field Training Program (FTO) as defined by the Department and have less than four
(4) years of verified fulltime experience as a peace officer in any state within the United States will advance to Trooper I Salary of $90,545.04 ($7,545.42 monthly) until they reach four (4) years of combined law enforcement experience at which time they will advance to Trooper II salary.
Prior law enforcement service is not applicable to promotions, transfers, determining seniority or other matters in which years of service within DPS are relevant all new Troopers hired under this provision are subject to the oneyear probationary period from the date of graduation from the Recruit Academy.
Career progression has been established for these positions which will enable the employee to promote to the higher levels of Probationary Trooper and Trooper I VI upon successful completion of qualifying work experience.
Job shifts and hours vary (day/evening/night) and can be 40 hours or more per week.
Qualifications
GENERAL DUTIES:
The duties of this position require the applicant to live on campus. The training will include some weekends. The training challenges the Recruit both mentally and physically, including a strenuous physical fitness program.
Duties upon completion of the Academy include apprehending traffic law violators, investigating most rural traffic crashes, recovering stolen vehicles/stolen property, apprehending wanted persons, and assisting other agencies. Troopers will perform other duties as assigned to fulfill the responsibilities of a Texas State Trooper.
All of the applicants who complete the training and graduate from the academy will be assigned to the Texas Highway Patrol. Duty Station assignments will be given during the Recruit School and will be based upon the needs of the Department. Applicants must be willing to accept assignment anywhere in Texas.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must be at least twenty (20) years of age to apply and must be 21 years of age at the time they graduate from the academy class and are promoted to the position of Probationary Trooper.
There is no maximum age limit.
Applicants must have a minimum of 60 college earned hours from a regionally accredited college or university or an associate degree.
Academic requirements may be substituted by National Guard personnel who have accumulated 730 retirement points or have 6 years' service in the Reserve or National Guard.
Applicants that currently hold a valid Texas Peace Officer license or who have received an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces with a minimum of twentyfour (24) months of active duty must be able to show proof of graduating from high school or its equivalent or have obtained a GED, if no other academic requirements are being met.
Applicants may combine approved work experience with college earned hours to meet the minimum requirements. Applicant may substitute fifteen (15) academic semester hours, which are equivalent to six (6) months of work experience or any combination of approved relative work experience and academic achievement to meet the minimum requirements of 60 college earned hours or 24 months of approved work experience.
Applicants must qualify on written/physical demands tests and are required to successfully complete polygraph examination, background investigation, psychological testing, physical/vision examinations, and drug screening.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
A valid driver's license, without any limitations that may hinder job responsibilities, is required.
Documents listed below should be submitted to your testing location recruiter. Do Not Attach Any Documents To Your Application.
All applicants must be citizens of the United States. AN ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPY OF THE FOLLOWING WILL BE REQUIRED: Birth Certificate/Military History, if any (DD214/Member 4/NGB22), Credit Report, High School transcript, or GED, and College Transcript.
Applicant must provide an official court disposition on all criminal charges, unless the applicant was a minor when the charge occurred.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their TCOLE Personal Status Report (PSR) lists any prior law enforcement experience. www.tcole.texas.gov
Interested and qualified persons should submit their application online. See additional information listed on the website http://www.txdps.JoinDPS.com or call 1866TXTROOP.
Department employees should submit a copy of the top page of the application to their immediate supervisor. All applicants MUST submit the DPS standard application packet. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO SEE THAT APPLICATION AND ATTACHMENTS ARE CURRENT AND COMPLETE. STANDARD APPLICATION FORMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Any/all documents submitted are considered property of the Texas Department of Public Safety. State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

CAPPS logo

About CAPPS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A statewide software solution developed by the Texas Department of Information Resources, CAPPS consolidates financial management, HR, and payroll operations for state agencies. Designed as a unified enterprise resource system, CAPPS replaced legacy tools in the early 2000s with a scalable, integrated platform tailored to agencies of varied size and complexity.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US