Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) opened a new selection cycle for women and men considering a rewarding career as a state trooper.
The 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four cadet classes. Since he took office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes to train over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and secured funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth. To date, more than 500 PSP cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
“Maintaining our complement is integral to our mission of providing professional police services to the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. “If you are dedicated to serving others, willing to work diligently to strengthen your community, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, we encourage you to consider a career as a Pennsylvania state trooper.
Applications should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by January 23, 2026.
Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants must also successfully complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy.
Governor Shapiro eliminated college credit requirements for state troopers in 2023. As a result, PSP that year saw a 258% increase in the number of applicants taking the test to become troopers.
Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and includes formal coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, physical fitness activities, and training in police vehicles, firearms, and equipment.
Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $71,647 annually. After five years of service, troopers can earn approximately $95,557.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.