What Are the Working Conditions for a State Trooper?
By William Henderson Updated April 19, 2022
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State troopers, also referred to as highway patrol officers, are mobile law-enforcement officers. State troopers primarily patrol highways and other state-owned or leased property to enforce vehicle and traffic laws. They might have other duties as well, such as investigating crimes.
The benefits of being a state trooper include above average wages and a generous retirement plan, but drawbacks include seeing gruesome accident scenes, driving in difficult weather conditions and working long, irregular shifts.
Patrol Duty
Regardless of weather conditions or time of day, troopers must patrol their assigned areas. They must also be willing to work weekends and holidays. Troopers spend most of their time in their vehicles, though they get out of their vehicles after pulling someone over who has violated a traffic, vehicle or safety law.
Troopers might pull someone over who is speeding or whose vehicle doesn't comply with state laws, such as one with a broken or missing taillight or whose turn signals don't work properly. They might stand on part of a roadway while talking to someone they've pulled over, or on some other type of terrain, such as grass or dirt.
In addition to enforcing the law, troopers are often called to assist stranded, distressed or injured motorists. In these and other situations, troopers might find themselves having to work outside in extreme weather. Working as a trooper can be physically demanding, stressful and sometimes dangerous when interacting with intoxicated or aggressive individuals.
State Trooper Requirements
State troopers might be asked to help investigate crimes and motor vehicle crashes. They may also respond and investigate allegations of domestic abuse, missing children, assaults, burglaries, robberies and homicides. Some troopers are also trained to work underwater, such as those who specialize in underwater search and recovery operations.
Troopers may lead education and information programs about traffic safety and crime prevention, such as at a school or where a civic organization meets. They may also need to appear in a courtroom to provide testimony on cases they were involved in. In addition, troopers often have to put in desk duty to fill out paperwork related to arrests or other duties they have performed.
Most departments require troopers to meet education and experience requirements, pass a background check and pass a physical exam. These requirements vary by state, so make sure you check with your state prior to applying for a job.
Indeed Career Guide indicates that most states minimally require an associate degree in an area related to criminal justice. Maine, however, only requires a high school diploma or equivalency. Indeed Career Guide further notes that some states will consider police or military experience in lieu of a degree.
Some states require you to pass additional requirements as well. For example, Texas requires that troopers meet certain vision requirements. You should also be able to sit for long periods of time due to the amount of time you will spend in your vehicle.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups state troopers under the broader job category of "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers." The average annual salary for this occupation was ​$70,750​ as of 2021. Geographic location and prevailing wages of an area affected average earnings. State troopers in Alaska, for example, annually averaged ​$87,510​, while those working in Mississippi averaged ​$38,940​ per year in 2021.
The BLS estimates that the number of jobs for police and sheriff's patrol officers will increase by 8 percent between 2020 to 2030. That's near the 8 percent projected growth rate for all occupations in all industries as a whole. The number of employment opportunities depends on the size of the department and its budget. You can improve your job prospects by earning a bachelor's degree and learning how to speak and understand a second language.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives
Indeed Career Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Becoming a State Trooper
Texas Physical/Vision Requirements for Troopers
William Henderson has been writing for newspapers, magazines and journals for more than 15 years. He served as editor of the "New England Blade" and is a former contributor to "The Advocate." His work has also appeared on The Good Men Project, Life By Me and The Huffington Post.
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