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Illinois State Police over $90,000 plus for new troopers

By Bruce Kropp Mar 25, 2024 | 12:26 PM
Illinois State Troopers at 100th Anniversary Celebration in Springfield.

To recruit the best and brightest into one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the country, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is now offering just over $90,000 in starting compensation for all new troopers.   With the tight labor market, the increase in starting pay and benefits for first-year troopers allows ISP to remain competitive and attract qualified candidates who are dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting the public.

Governor JB Pritzker says Illinois State Police officers nobly serve our communities and help keep us safe.   He says that raising the starting pay for Illinois State Police troopers reflects the respect his administration has for those who serve and our commitment to continuing to grow their ranks.

Effective July 1, 2024, new troopers will earn a total amount of compensation above $90,000 upon graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy.  To allow more people the opportunity to apply and earn this increased pay, ISP extended the deadline for the next round of applications to May 1, 2024.

To become an ISP trooper, all applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:

Must be 21 years of age.  An applicant 20 years of age may apply if they have completed an associate degree or 60 credits hours at a regionally accredited college or university.

  • Cannot have been convicted of a felony
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application
  • Willing to accept an assignment anywhere in the state of Illinois

Candidates must have an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university.  Education requirements may be waived for those honorably discharged from the military.

Starting in January, State Police is also allowing current law enforcement officers with three years of continuous service at the same law enforcement agency to join the ranks of ISP quickly.

Effective January 1, 2024, the new “Option Three” allows for current law enforcement officers with three years of continuous service at the same law enforcement agency to join the ranks of ISP quickly.

For more information about being an Illinois State Trooper and to complete and application, visit the ISP Merit Board website at https://www.illinoistrooper.com/, or email ISP.Recruitment@illinois.gov.