Md. State Troopers’ Starting Salaries Get Considerable Boost
Maryland State Police will offer higher starting pay for new state troopers.
As of January 1st, 2022, the starting pay for trooper candidates will rise from $35,000 to $51,000. The enhanced salary structure results from an agreement among Maryland State Police, the State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance and the State of Maryland.
“Today, we are taking the first step in implementing our $150 million Re-Fund The Police Initiative by ensuring that we offer more competitive salaries to the troopers who will be putting their lives on the line every day to keep the rest of us safe,” Governor Larry Hogan said Wednesday. “We need more investment in public safety so that we can recruit and retain quality officers, increase diversity, expand community policing efforts, improve training, and provide better technology and equipment. Instead of defunding the police, we are re-funding the police.”
Maryland State Police are currently considering applications for a police academy class that starts in January. 42 current candidates are expected to join the ranks in March 2022.
Maryland State Police released more information below about becoming a State Trooper:
The minimum qualifications to apply to become a Maryland state trooper are as follows:
- Trooper applicants must be at least 20 years of age, having not reached their 59th birthday.
- Applicants must be a United States Citizen.
- Applicants must become a Maryland resident upon graduation as Trooper.
- Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED before being hired.
- Applicants must have a valid driver’s license in any state and have a satisfactory driving record.
- Applicants must have sound morals and a clean drug history and criminal history.
While the basic duties of a trooper include investigating traffic crashes and criminal incidents, issuing citations and enforcing the laws of Maryland, many troopers are assigned to specialized divisions and units. For most troopers, the opportunities available make for a truly rewarding career.
Along with the variety of career opportunities, the Maryland State Police offers a competitive benefit package. Troopers are provided take home vehicles, the ability to earn college credits, excellent health coverage, paid leave, annual salary increases, a defined benefit retirement package, education and fitness bonuses, and a clothing allowance. Anyone between the ages 20 through 59 is invited to an orientation, the first step in the process where applicants learn more about how to get started.
The Applicant Orientation is an open-house orientation conducted by members of the Maryland State Police recruitment staff both virtually and in-person. In-person orientations are regionalized and take place throughout the state. Qualified applicants are being sought for an academy class that will begin in January, 2022. It is during this phase that applicants complete the Initial Applicant Information packet, and receive more information on how to begin the career almost immediately.
The Maryland State Police Recruitment & Selection Unit strives to achieve diversity and an inclusive workforce, representative of the citizens served. Anyone interested in learning more about a career with the Maryland State Police is encouraged to visit with one of our recruiters. Call 410-653-4420 or visit the MSP Careers website at https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Careers/Pages/default.aspx
