That’s an interesting question, as all states have slightly different requirements for becoming a state trooper.

For example, in Maine you attend an Academy and receive a salary based on a rate of $34,528.60 while training. In Texas, there is a 26 week Recruit School that is made up of Trooper Trainee School, Driver License Laws, State Traffic Laws, Firearms Training, First Responder, Operational Skills, Physical and Defense Tactics, and all there is a written exam that must be passed at the end.

Requirements

• Again, these vary state to state but we will use Texas as an example. Here are some of the requirements:
• Each applicant must pass a basic physical examination.
• Vision must be at least 20/200 uncorrected and 20/30 through 20/40 corrected.
• Field of vision for horizontal vision must be 60 to 85 degrees from a central fixation point. Permanent abnormalities of either eye can disqualify you, as can loss of vision in either eye.
• You must be 20 years old or older to become a trooper-trainee.
• You should have an associates degree or at least 90 semester accredited college hours. Prior experience in a variety of law enforcement jobs may be a replacement for college hours.
• You must be a US citizen. And hold a valid Texas driver license or at least be eligible to get one.
• You must pass both physical and oral exams.
• Good moral character is required. If you have been convicted of any crime of domestic violence or felony you are ineligible.
• There are many more, too many to list in this space. Suffice it to say, you must be squeaky clean and in good physical and mental health.

Exam preparation

Obtaining a degree in criminal justice is a good preparation for becoming a state trooper. Otherwise, there are schools that offer preparation courses.

Salary

This varies state by state of course. In commonwealth of Pennsylvania state trooper’s average just over 50K a year, before taxes with benefits. Starting salary for NY State troopers is also just over 50K. Veterans with five years earn in the vicinity of 90,000 a year. The farther south you go, the lower the pay.

Work schedule

The 12 hour shift four days a week has become popular in recent years.
Because this leads to overtime issues, some departments have state troopers work one 8 hour shift every other week.

Getting started

If you are in high school and think a state trooper career is for you, talk to your guidance counselor and consider an associate degree in criminal justice, as in the case of Texas, you would have to be 20 years old to enter the academy anyway. Otherwise, there are a variety of state trooper exam preparation manuals and courses you can pursue on your own.