State police officers work primarily on highways, enforcing vehicle laws and regulations. In addition to their duties on the road, state troopers may be called to assist local police in rural areas or small towns. They may also function as security officers at state capitols and may work on horseback, bicycle, or foot. Career advancement is a result of experience, education, and competence, and comes often in the form of promotions to specialist or management positions.

Training for State Trooper Jobs

Training for state police jobs varies by area. Recruits generally get some training in their agency's police academy, often for 12 to 14 weeks. Applicants hoping for administration or supervisor positions should consider criminal justice degrees or similar law enforcement career training. Additionally, applicants in highly populated areas may benefit from additional formal education.

State Trooper Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median annual earnings for state police were $52,540 in 2006. At the supervisor level, earnings increased to a median of $68,990. Detectives and investigators working at the state level earned a median of $49,370. Earnings may be higher in certain areas due to overtime pay, cost of living adjustments, and other benefits. While no career training program can guarantee a particular law enforcement career or salary, hiring managers often prefer or require criminal justice degrees and other training.