A state trooper is often referred to as the State Police or as a Highway Patrol Officer.
A State Trooper is typically responsible for enforcing traffic laws on state highways.
In addition, these officers often help law enforcement agencies that are located in more rural areas.
State Trooper Requirements
Each state has varying requirements for their state troopers however the majority of states require an aspiring State Trooper to attend and graduate from the state police academy.
For example, according to troopers.ny.gov, New York State has a police academy where officers are properly trained before becoming active for duty.
There may also be written examinations and certain physical requirements that must be met in order to become a state police officer.
Most states will require that an individual have at least an associate’s degree before entering the police academy.
The degree does not necessarily have to be in a specific field, but some states prefer that their officers have a background in criminal justice.
There are some states that will substitute experience as a certified police officer or in the military for the education requirements.
All the aforementioned requirements can vary from state to state.
For example, according to njsp.org (New Jersey State Police), a candidate must have:
(1) a bachelor’s degree; OR
(2) possess a minimum of 90 credits and will complete their degree by a specified date before the written examination, OR
(3) must have an associate’s degree or 60 college credits, PLUS at least 24 months of satisfactory employment or military experience; OR
(4) 30 college credits, PLUS at least 24 months of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.
State Trooper Requirements by State
You are required by all states to:
- Pass a background check.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Pass the training academy.
| State | Age Requirement | Education Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Pass physical & written exams |
| Alaska | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Willing to serve anywhere in AK |
| Arizona | 21-37 | High school diploma or GED | Background polygraph & psychological exam |
| Arkansas | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Pass drug test and interview |
| California | 20-35 | High school diploma or GED | Must be a U.S. citizen by appointment |
| Colorado | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony convictions |
| Connecticut | 20-39 | High school diploma or GED | Must become resident of CT |
| Delaware | 21-39 | High school diploma or GED | No visible tattoos in uniform |
| Florida | 19+ | High school diploma or GED | Must pass CJSTC exam |
| Georgia | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | P.O.S.T. certified |
| Hawaii | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Pass physical agility test |
| Idaho | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony or DUI convictions |
| Illinois | 21+ | High school diploma or GED & some college | Must have 30+ college credits |
| Indiana | 21-40 | High school diploma or GED | Good moral character |
| Iowa | 22-45 | High school diploma or GED | Vision and hearing standards |
| Kansas | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Polygraph & psych evaluation |
| Kentucky | 21-36 | High school diploma or GED | Background investigation |
| Louisiana | 21-36 | High school diploma or GED | No domestic violence convictions |
| Maine | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Must pass MCJA training |
| Maryland | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Must be willing to relocate |
| Massachusetts | 21-35 | High school diploma or GED | Pass Civil Service Exam |
| Michigan | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony convictions |
| Minnesota | 21+ | Bachelor's degree | P.O.S.T. license required |
| Mississippi | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Good physical condition |
| Missouri | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Background & medical exams |
| Montana | 18+ | High school diploma or GED | Psychological and polygraph tests |
| Nebraska | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Good moral character |
| Nevada | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Vision and fitness standards |
| New Hampshire | 21-49 | High school diploma or GED | Must pass oral board interview |
| New Jersey | 21-35 | Bachelor's degree or 60 credits + experience | Civil Service Exam |
| New Mexico | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Background and polygraph test |
| New York | 21-29 | High school diploma or GED + 60 college credits | Military experience may substitute for education |
| North Carolina | 21-39 | High school diploma or GED | Background investigation |
| North Dakota | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Pass written & physical tests |
| Ohio | 21-34 | High school diploma or GED | Must be in good health |
| Oklahoma | 21-45 | High school diploma or GED | No felony or domestic violence convictions |
| Oregon | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Polygraph & psych evaluation |
| Pennsylvania | 20-40 | High school diploma or GED | No visible tattoos |
| Rhode Island | 18+ | High school diploma or GED | Physical & written exams |
| South Carolina | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony convictions |
| South Dakota | 21-44 | High school diploma or GED | Background investigation |
| Tennessee | 21-34 | High school diploma or GED | Psychological & physical tests |
| Texas | 20.5-45 | 60 college credits or military | Military service may substitute education |
| Utah | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony or domestic violence |
| Vermont | 20+ | High school diploma or GED | Pass physical, polygraph, psych |
| Virginia | 21-40 | High school diploma or GED | No visible tattoos |
| Washington | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony convictions |
| West Virginia | 21-39 | High school diploma or GED | Background, polygraph, drug test |
| Wisconsin | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Physical, written, psych tests |
| Wyoming | 23+ | High school diploma or GED | No felony convictions |
| Washington DC | 21+ | High school diploma or GED | Background check and medical exam |
Note: Requirements are subject to change.
Steps to Become a State Trooper
The first thing a person considering a career in law enforcement and becoming a state trooper should do is earn a college degree.
There are some states that only require an individual to have a high school diploma or GED in order to become an officer (e.g., State of Maine), but most states prefer that a person have some type of formal education beyond high school.
A degree in criminal justice or a related field, though not mandatory, may give you an advantage over other candidates.
In addition to general education courses, criminal justice students will also learn about the theories, principles, and techniques that are used by the police force through courses in policies and laws, criminal behavior, police supervision, criminal procedures, and criminal investigations.
Getting a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be done entirely online.
If you are a veteran or have experience working as a certified police officer, certain states allow this experience to substitute for the education requirements.
Military service may include serving in the armed forces or the reserves, or the National Guard.
When choosing a college, it is recommended to pursue a school that offers a concentration area such as forensics, security, corrections, or law enforcement.
Consider all the pros and cons of being a state trooper before moving further.
Training Academy
The next step in becoming a state trooper is to complete the training academy.
A person will need to apply to become a state trooper, and if accepted, they will then attend the academy.
State trooper academies combine physical training with classroom work.
During the academy, students will learn about state laws, civil rights, constitutional laws, self-defense, traffic control, emergency response, and firearms.
In addition, students will be required to pass physical fitness examinations that will involve push-ups, running, and sit-ups.
They will also have a general vision examination and an overall health examination.
It is recommended that a person who is interested in becoming a state trooper start their physical training before attending the training academy.
Start a daily workout routine before you enter the training academy as this can make it easier to meet the physical fitness measurements that are required for working as a state trooper.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2025, the average salary for a State Trooper was $77,270, with 60,431 troopers working across the United States.
Project growth for this field is roughly 4% over the next 10 years (source: BLS).
U.S. Average Salary: $79,200
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 11,710 | $55,130 | $26.51 | $77,220 | $37,480 |
| Alaska | 1,260 | $101,770 | $48.93 | $137,340 | $60,670 |
| Arizona | 12,010 | $81,720 | $39.29 | $98,560 | $60,990 |
| Arkansas | 5,710 | $49,850 | $23.96 | $70,190 | $35,210 |
| California | 65,940 | $112,980 | $54.32 | $153,190 | $76,300 |
| Colorado | 9,610 | $90,550 | $43.54 | $109,300 | $65,340 |
| Connecticut | 6,500 | $83,920 | $40.35 | $102,660 | $63,310 |
| Delaware | 1,800 | $93,210 | $44.81 | $130,870 | $62,470 |
| D.C. | 4,720 | $92,390 | $44.42 | $119,660 | $66,420 |
| Florida | 43,630 | $75,320 | $36.21 | $98,190 | $51,330 |
| Georgia | 22,170 | $58,520 | $28.14 | $76,250 | $43,690 |
| Hawaii | 2,420 | $90,360 | $43.44 | $108,110 | $77,480 |
| Idaho | 2,810 | $70,860 | $34.07 | $97,980 | $48,840 |
| Illinois | 29,180 | $92,450 | $44.45 | $119,560 | $58,420 |
| Indiana | 12,980 | $75,130 | $36.12 | $100,010 | $52,170 |
| Iowa | 5,130 | $76,280 | $36.67 | $101,520 | $59,360 |
| Kansas | 6,130 | $61,450 | $29.55 | $90,530 | $42,040 |
| Kentucky | 7,890 | $59,840 | $28.77 | $77,970 | $38,780 |
| Louisiana | 12,400 | $51,250 | $24.64 | $69,140 | $36,470 |
| Maine | 2,120 | $69,830 | $33.57 | $91,270 | $55,930 |
| Maryland | 9,720 | $82,400 | $39.62 | $113,700 | $58,580 |
| Massachusetts | 17,040 | $83,230 | $40.01 | $108,150 | $61,160 |
| Michigan | 16,750 | $70,310 | $33.80 | $89,220 | $47,780 |
| Minnesota | 9,160 | $85,130 | $40.93 | $106,160 | $60,670 |
| Mississippi | 8,070 | $47,010 | $22.60 | $61,550 | $33,230 |
| Missouri | 13,570 | $62,520 | $30.06 | $90,770 | $43,210 |
| Montana | 2,160 | $69,540 | $33.43 | $84,150 | $55,330 |
| Nebraska | 3,490 | $75,290 | $36.20 | $95,210 | $54,680 |
| Nevada | 5,720 | $86,470 | $41.57 | $102,810 | $62,250 |
| New Hampshire | 2,460 | $70,630 | $33.96 | $89,940 | $57,930 |
| New Jersey | 21,780 | $93,700 | $45.05 | $134,260 | $57,740 |
| New Mexico | 4,580 | $66,700 | $32.07 | $85,740 | $48,400 |
| New York | 53,470 | $87,110 | $41.88 | $118,250 | $53,000 |
| North Carolina | 22,370 | $61,390 | $29.51 | $80,240 | $46,040 |
| North Dakota | 1,630 | $72,400 | $34.81 | $91,440 | $58,620 |
| Ohio | 23,430 | $76,730 | $36.89 | $103,210 | $51,110 |
| Oklahoma | 9,660 | $63,120 | $30.34 | $94,940 | $36,480 |
| Oregon | 5,030 | $87,990 | $42.30 | $109,350 | $66,380 |
| Pennsylvania | 26,510 | $81,910 | $39.38 | $109,780 | $48,680 |
| Rhode Island | 1,940 | $78,760 | $37.86 | $91,760 | $59,020 |
| South Carolina | 12,930 | $60,420 | $29.05 | $78,760 | $45,060 |
| South Dakota | 2,000 | $64,320 | $30.93 | $91,900 | $47,540 |
| Tennessee | 15,630 | $61,830 | $29.72 | $79,480 | $43,520 |
| Texas | 63,100 | $76,160 | $36.62 | $98,350 | $51,240 |
| Utah | 5,500 | $78,760 | $37.87 | $99,920 | $60,290 |
| Vermont | 1,020 | $70,560 | $33.92 | $95,530 | $53,950 |
| Virginia | 19,970 | $70,450 | $33.87 | $96,820 | $50,000 |
| Washington | 9,160 | $104,140 | $50.07 | $132,200 | $79,120 |
| West Virginia | 2,900 | $55,900 | $26.88 | $69,980 | $41,950 |
| Wisconsin | 12,320 | $76,560 | $36.81 | $94,450 | $58,530 |
| Wyoming | 1,310 | $67,080 | $32.25 | $76,840 | $57,130 |
| Guam | 540 | $66,940 | $32.18 | $98,030 | $36,590 |
| Puerto Rico | 11,640 | $42,920 | $20.63 | $50,240 | $30,500 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $112,980.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary estimates are based on data from the May 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, (SOC Code 33-3051).* Employment opportunities may vary depending on your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do state troopers do?
State trooper responsibilities differ by jurisdiction but typically include enforcing traffic laws on state highways, administering first aid to accident victims, and assisting local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Do you need a degree to be a state trooper?
Becoming a state trooper typically requires at least a high school diploma or GED, but educational requirements can vary by state.
Most states do not require a degree.
However, having one will increase your pay and a change for higher salary down the road as a state trooper.
What disqualifies you from being a state trooper?
In most law enforcement agencies, individuals with felony convictions, domestic violence records, or serious misdemeanors are generally disqualified from becoming state troopers.
Offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking are automatic disqualifiers and may also indicate connections to criminal activity.
How many states have state troopers?
49.
The only state without state troopers is Hawaii.
Which state pay state troopers the most?
California state troopers make the most with a potential to achieve a salary as high as 110k/year!
How long is the police academy to become a state trooper?
It varies by state.
The average police academy program length is around 770 hours, which is roughly 22 weeks.
Becoming a state trooper is a noble and rewarding career path that involves protecting and serving your community and ensuring public safety.
The training process for state troopers is comprehensive and intense, covering areas such as law enforcement techniques, emergency response, and community engagement, preparing them for the challenges of the job.
Physical fitness and a clean background are essential. Candidates must meet specific physical fitness standards and undergo thorough background checks to ensure they are fit for the role.
The breakdown of requirements and steps made the process feel much clearer. I liked learning about the mix of education, background checks, and the police academy training involved. The part explaining physical tests and real duties like highway patrols and assisting local agencies was especially interesting.