HARRISBURG, PA — For those eager to serve their communities and pursue a bold, action-packed career in law enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has officially opened its 2025 hiring cycle. With a call for driven individuals ready to uphold justice and ensure the safety of Pennsylvanians, this new cycle offers aspiring cadets and liquor enforcement officer trainees the shot to make a meaningful impact while earning competitive salaries.
“We seek individuals dedicated to public service, upholding the law, and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, PSP Commissioner. “If you value professionalism, moral awareness, and want to make a difference, consider joining the Pennsylvania State Police.”
What Aspiring Applicants Need to Know
The recruitment efforts include two paths for applicants—state trooper and liquor enforcement officer trainee—with rigorous but rewarding selection processes. Here’s what you need to know:
State Trooper Recruitment
Applications for state trooper cadets must be submitted by March 31, 2025. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and pass a series of eligibility checks, including a written examination, polygraph test, background investigation, physical and medical screenings, and a psychological evaluation.
Key standout this year? PSP continues the policy change initiated in 2023, removing the 60 college credit requirement for cadets. The numbers show the success of this decision—PSP reported an uptick in qualified candidates, with over 1,467 applications received during the three-month hiring cycle last fall.
Training for cadets spans 28 weeks at the PSP Academy and includes coursework on Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, plus physical fitness, firearms, and equipment exercises. Cadets are also rigorously trained in military protocol, vehicle handling, and drills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the field. Those who successfully complete the program are promoted to trooper status, with a starting salary of $66,911 annually.
Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee Recruitment
For those interested in tackling liquor law violations and conducting investigations at licensed establishments, the liquor enforcement officer trainee position offers its own thrilling path. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025. Candidates undergo a 16-week training program designed to prepare them for enforcement roles.
Trainees earn $50,950 annually after completing training, with additional pay adjustments following their promotion to liquor enforcement officer status just two months later.
A Larger Mission with Far-Reaching Implications
This hiring push ties directly into Governor Josh Shapiro’s public safety initiative. Backed by the 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget, which allocates $16 million for four new cadet classes, these recruitment efforts aim to build stronger, safer communities across the Commonwealth.
With over 10,000 applications received during Shapiro’s administration, PSP’s recruitment strategy is working—shattering barriers that once discouraged prospective candidates. The removal of the college credit requirement is more than a change in policy; it’s a signal that PSP values a drive to serve and the ability to meet rigorous training requirements above all else.
The stakes are high, and the opportunity is clear. Whether you’re stepping into the field of law enforcement for the first time or aspiring to enforce Pennsylvania’s liquor laws, PSP offers a path to a career where every day is a chance to make a difference. Time is ticking. Start your application today and join the ranks of those who protect and serve.
Deadlines to Remember
- Trooper Cadet Applications: Due by March 31, 2025
- Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee Applications: Due by April 30, 2025
Are you ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime? For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
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