Washington State Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $102,600.00 - $134,940.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: WSPLateralTrooper_7th_TLTC
Department: Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 12/15/2026 11:21 AM Pacific
Description
About the Washington State Patrol: The Washington State Patrol is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency driven by integrity, commitment, and service. Our troopers are more than highway patrol - they're community leaders and lifesavers, making a real difference across the state every single day.
Our Mission: The makes a difference every day, enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities by providing the best in public safety services.
Our Vision: To be the best public safety agency in the United States.
Our Motto: Service With Humility
Are you ready to make a difference every single day? At the Washington State Patrol, our troopers are not only guardians of the road - they're trusted community allies, skilled lifesavers, and unwavering symbols of service. We are a nationally accredited law enforcement agency defined by integrity, driven by commitment, and united by the mission to protect and serve with humility. Learn about !
Join the Washington State Patrol - Where Service Meets Impact
What Sets WSP Apart?

• Fast-Tracked Onboarding: Streamlined training tailored for experienced officers
• Career Advancement: Specialized units, promotion pathways, and leadership programs
• Statewide Reach: Influence safety on highways, in communities, and across jurisdictions
• High Standards & Camaraderie: Join an elite agency with strong values and lasting friendships

Who Should Apply?
You're a current or former peace officer with transferable skills, integrity, and a desire for continued growth. Whether you're looking for bigger challenges, better support, or a more mission-driven agency - WSP is where your next chapter begins.
Duties
As a Washington State Trooper, you're more than a peace officer-you're a protector, a problem-solver, and a beacon of public service. You'll uphold the Constitution and safeguard every community with integrity, professionalism, and respect. From high-speed responses to heartfelt community interactions, Troopers operate at the intersection of justice and compassion.
As a Washington State Trooper, you'll operate with autonomy and confidence-delivering vital law enforcement and public safety services across every corner of our state. With minimal supervision and maximum purpose, Troopers uphold our laws and values, protect lives, and ensure order, justice, and compassion in every encounter.
You will:

• Enforce traffic and criminal laws within assigned areas through proactive patrols, responsive service calls, and high-standard investigative practices
• Manage traffic flow and respond to collisions with professionalism and care
• Assist motorists, crime victims, and community members with integrity and empathy
• Serve as a liaison to governmental bodies and contribute to public safety initiatives
• Participate in specialized duties and task forces that reinforce statewide security

Key Responsibilities
Washington State Troopers are trained to act decisively, communicate effectively, and respond to complex situations with precision and restraint. Daily responsibilities include:

• Patrolling designated areas 24/7 and responding swiftly to emergency service calls
• Conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, and making arrests when needed
• Operating patrol vehicles in both routine and high-intensity scenarios
• Executing advanced vehicle tactics including PIT maneuvers, spike strips, and roadblocks
• Pursuing suspects by vehicle or on foot while maintaining officer and public safety
• Conducting thorough searches for weapons, contraband, and evidence
• Assessing driver behaviors and administering sobriety tests for drug/alcohol impairment
• Providing roadside assistance and delivering emergency aid when lives are on the line
• Investigating collisions and crimes, collecting evidence, and preparing legal documentation
• Testifying in court proceedings as a professional witness
• Maintaining deep knowledge of state laws, legal procedures, and criminal codes
• Participating in crisis situations, civil disturbances, and community outreach efforts
• Inspecting and maintaining all issued gear and safety equipment

Qualifications
Hiring Process
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) follows a structured five-phase hiring process:

1. Application Review - Initial assessment of qualifications.
2. Command Interview- Formal interview with WSP leadership.
3. Polygraph Examination- Final verification of candidate integrity.
4. Psychological & Medical Evaluation - Includes a psychological test, interview with a psychologist, and medical exam.
5. Background Investigation - Thorough review of personal and professional history.

Minimum Requirements
Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and required probationary period at a current/former law enforcement agency.
• Must possess 12 or more months of traffic law enforcement experience.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Washington State Driver's License.
• Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or state-recognized home school certificate.
• Successful completion of all hiring phases listed above.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call as needed.
• Compliance with narcotics and controlled substance restrictions, as outlined in

Professional Integrity & Character Standards
Applicants must demonstrate good moral character-any history of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, or conduct that undermines trust or lawfulness may result in disqualification. A history of domestic violence automatically eliminates candidates per RCW 10.99.
Essential Job Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates must be able to:

• Administer basic first aid in emergency situations.
• Use force appropriately, including firearms, when necessary.
• Communicate effectively via radio equipment and during critical incidents.
• Operate a patrol vehicle independently in routine and emergency situations.
• Know when and how to deploy emergency lights and sirens.
• Properly handle all issued equipment and demonstrate its effective use.
• Provide credible courtroom testimony as required.

Training Program

• Lateral Transfers: Complete a five-week trooper equivalency course followed by a five-week field training program with a senior WSP officer for a total of 10 weeks.
• Out-of-State Peace Officers: Must complete a two-week Washington State equivalency course to obtain certification. This equivalency course will take place prior to the start of the five-week trooper equivalency course for a total of 12 weeks.

For a detailed list of duties and responsibilities, refer to the Washington State Trooper job description
Supplemental Information
Hiring Incentive:
Lateral Troopers are eligible for a $20,000 hiring bonus. $8,000 upon completion of academy training, $6,000 upon successful completion of probationary period, $6,000 after completion of two (2) years of service.
Compensation:
Lateral Troopers will receive a monthly salary which will be determined by seniority as a fully commissioned peace officer. Seniority determinations will be consistent with Article 8 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Commissioned
TimeMonthly Base Pay
As of July 1, 20252 years$8,5502.5 - 3.5 years$9,062
3.5 - 4.5 years$9,606
4.5 - 5 years$10,1855 - 10 years$10,49110 - 15 years$10,69815 - 20 years$10,91620 - 25 years$11,13325+ years$11,245
Additional Compensation Incentives:

• Shift Differential Pay, Education Incentive Pay, Geographic Pay, and Specialty Pay, as well as Paid Leave Time and Benefits. Read more
• Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more
• Tuition Reimbursement.

How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire application in order to be considered.
Out of state applicants must be prepared to submit their Peace Officer Certification documents and Academy Syllabus to include the topic and hours of each course.
Veterans' Preference:
Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. Veterans' preference will not be applied unless the required documentation is attached to your application.
For additional information on veterans' preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,
We thank you and are grateful for your service.
See job posting for benefits. Benefits may vary by job.
01
I understand that I must be a current or former Certified Peace Officer and this application is for lateral transfers only. Former WSP officers should not proceed with this application and contact the EmployeeServicesTeam@wsp.wa.gov for rehire information.

• I am currently, or was formerly, a Certified Peace Officer and I understand this application is intended for lateral transfers only.
• I am not now, nor have I ever been, a Certified Peace Officer. By selecting this option, you understand that you will not be eligible as a Lateral Trooper. If you are interested in becoming a Washington State Trooper, please apply to the Trooper Cadet job posting.

02
Have you worked with a WSP recruiter prior to this point?

• Yes
• No

03
Select which of the following resources prompted your trooper application.

• Direct contact via text with WSP Recruiter through Interview Now
• WSP Recruiter/Hiring Event
• WSP Website
• Family/Friend works for WSP
• Careers.Wa.Gov
• Military/Veteran Event
• Public Safety Testing (PST) website or event
• Social Media
• Indeed
• Advertising/Marketing
• Outdoor/Recreational Event
• Sporting Event
• Email Broadcast
• Other (Please Specify Below)
• Linkedin
• Another Social Media Platform
• TV Commercial
• Radio Commercial
• Family/Friend works for WSP
• None of the Above

04
If you chose Other in the previous question, please specify the resource that prompted your trooper cadet application. If you did not select Other, please put N/A.
05
If you were referred by a WSP Employee that is not a Trooper Recruiter, please provide the employee's name.
06
Do you grant WSP authorization to conduct a pre-employment background investigation to solicit information about you by releasing all information to include work records, reputation; medical records; psychological testing analysis and recommendation; military service records; responses to any pre-polygraph questions; polygraph testing and/or analysis; and financial status? Information of confidential or privileged nature shall also be included in the request to assist the WSP in determining qualifications for the position. I understand my rights under Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a, the Privacy Act of 1974, and waive these rights with the understanding that the information furnished will be used by other law enforcement agencies in conjunction with employment procedures.

• Yes
• No

07
Have you successfully completed a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and the required probationary period at your current/former agency?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you currently possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or are you eligible to obtain one?

• Yes
• No

09
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma, Home School Certificate, OR GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

10
The Washington State Patrol has strict hiring standards for all employees within our agency. Carefully review the following questions and respond honestly. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be required to respond to these questions during a polygraph test. UNTRUTHFUL RESPONSES WILL RESULT IN YOUR PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH OUR AGENCY. "Possession" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use with the intent to commit a crime. "Use" is defined as trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to, tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling.Do you understand the importance of answering these questions honestly AND that untruthful responses will permanently disqualify you from employment with our agency?

• Yes
• No

11
For the questions related to past drug use, definitions of illegal Schedule 1-5 drugs are listed here for your reference: Schedule I (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Fentanyl, etc. Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinog...