Washington State Patrol

Published salary research

Trooper Cadet salary in current posting

$71,408.16 / year ($5,950.68 / month)

Trooper salary after required training

$93,156 / year ($7,763 / month) at commissioning; step increases follow

Rates come from the live 123rd/124th Trooper Basic Training Class posting checked October 30, 2026. Cadets receive cadet pay starting on their first workday; confirm the live posting and effective terms.

Hiring process

1. Trooper Cadet applicants schedule and pass the written exam and PAT through Public Safety Testing (PST), and complete the Personal History Statement in their PST account.
2. After PST, submit the full State of Washington application. WSP describes polygraph and background investigation, oral board, then psychological and medical screening; follow the live notice for exact sequencing and instructions.
3. Selected cadets are hired before attending WSP's paid 26-week basic training class, followed by 10 weeks of field training/coaching with an FTO. The cadet posting covers the 123rd/124th classes.
4. Certified lateral candidates use a separate posting. The current notice describes a five-week trooper-equivalency course and five weeks of field training; out-of-state officers first complete a two-week Washington equivalency course.

The cadet posting closes October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific; the separate lateral posting closes December 15, 2026 at 11:21 a.m. Pacific. Recheck each live announcement before applying.

Physical testing

Trooper Cadet PAT: at least 20 push-ups in 90 seconds, 25 sit-ups in 90 seconds and 35 squat thrusters in three minutes. WSP also requires at least 70% on the PST written exam; PST test scores are valid for one year. Register through PST for current locations, instructions and test videos. These cadet standards do not establish lateral requirements.

Benefits and incentives

WSP says cadets receive pay from the first workday and that the agency pays for academy, uniforms and equipment. The State posting describes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement and paid leave; eligibility, costs and terms depend on the plan.

Incentives: confirm current availability

The current cadet notice offers an eligible $10,000 retention bonus in two conditional $5,000 installments: after successful completion of the 123rd Trooper Basic Training Class and after the probationary period as a Trooper. Confirm conditions in the live posting.

Requirements and lateral entry

This profile does not yet establish a complete current eligibility checklist or lateral-entry policy. Age, education, citizenship or work authorization, license requirements and disqualifiers must be confirmed in the current announcement for the position you seek. Missing research does not mean a requirement is waived.

Recruiting contact

WSP Trooper Cadet Unit

Preparation focus

Start with the PST written-study materials and schedule both PST tests early enough to complete the full state application before the posting deadline. Practice all three PAT events to the published count and time limits. Contact a WSP recruiter for route eligibility and location availability; assignments are statewide and preferences are not guaranteed.

From agency research to preparation

Know where you want to apply. Prepare for what comes next.

Use the employer’s current instructions as your checklist. Enter Prepared helps with the preparation—not the hiring decision. Agency research remains free, with no account required.

Frequently asked questions