NYS State Police — Now Accepting Applications
🚨 Now Accepting Applications — August 2027 Academy Class. The application deadline is August 17, 2026 and the entrance exam deadline is September 1, 2026. The Academy begins in August 2027. Apply now at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.
Academy Pay
Up to $70,748
during training
After 1 Year
$109,620+
upstate minimum
After 5 Years
Up to $138,778
Nassau / Suffolk
Apply By
Aug 17, 2026
application deadline
Exam By
Sep 1, 2026
entrance exam deadline
Academy Starts
Aug 2027
estimated start
The New York State Police is now accepting applications for the August 2027 Academy Class. With total compensation exceeding $138,000 after five years in some regions — plus a pension you can collect at 20 years, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and all uniforms and equipment provided — this is one of the most competitive law enforcement career opportunities in New York State.
Application Timeline — August 2027 Academy
August 17, 2026
Application Deadline
Last day to submit your application for the August 2027 class
September 1, 2026
Entrance Exam Deadline
Last day to complete the entrance examination
To Be Determined
Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Date TBD — includes sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run
August 2027
Academy Begins
Selected candidates begin the State Police Academy
Apply Now — Application Deadline August 17, 2026
Applications are submitted online through the NY State Police portal. Start your application today — don’t wait until the deadline.
Apply Now at joinstatepolice.ny.gov ↗ View Full Qualifications ↗The New York State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Total Trooper Compensation — By Region
Total compensation includes base salary, Expanded Duty payments, and Hazardous Duty payments. Rates vary by assignment location:
Upstate New York
$127,049
after 5 years total compensation
AcademyUp to $70,748*
At graduation$82,608
After 1 year$109,620
After 5 years$127,049
Dutchess / Orange / Putnam
$130,929
after 5 years total compensation
AcademyUp to $70,748*
At graduation$86,232
After 1 year$113,498
After 5 years$130,929
NYC / Rockland / Westchester
$137,265
after 5 years total compensation
AcademyUp to $70,748*
At graduation$91,191
After 1 year$119,837
After 5 years$137,265
Nassau / Suffolk ⭐ Highest
$138,778
after 5 years total compensation
AcademyUp to $70,748*
At graduation$92,341
After 1 year$121,347
After 5 years$138,778
ℹ️ Academy pay note: Academy compensation of up to $70,748 is based on hiring date. Regional salary differentials apply after Academy graduation and are based on your assignment location.
Hiring & Appointment Qualifications
Age requirement
- ✓Must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment
- ✓Must be appointed prior to your 43rd birthday
- ✓Military extension: Maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty — up to a maximum of 7 years
Residency & license
- ✓Must be a New York State resident at time of appointment
- ✓Must hold a valid New York State driver’s license at time of appointment
- ✓Must be able to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including holidays
Education requirement
Candidates must possess both of the following:
- ✓A High School diploma or High School Equivalency diploma (GED/TASC)
- ✓PLUS one of the following qualifying credentials (see below)
Plus one of the following
- 130 college credit hours from an accredited college or university (non-traditional transferred credits may be accepted — see below)
- 2Military: Successful completion of Initial Entry Training with an honorable discharge (received or expected)
- 3Police: Successful completion of the Basic Course for Police Officers certified by the NYS Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC)
ℹ️ Non-traditional college credits accepted: Many sources of non-traditional transferred college credit are accepted if listed on an official transcript from an accredited institution. These include: applied elective credits, life experience, military training (AARTS, SMARTS), ACE credits, national testing programs (CLEP, DSST, Excelsior), professional certifications (Microsoft, insurance industry exams), FEMA, Sophia Learning, credit by portfolio, and more. Visit joinstatepolice.ny.gov/qualifications for the full list.
Vision & Hearing Standards
Vision requirement
- ✓Uncorrected vision: no worse than 20/100 in each eye
- ✓Correctable to 20/30 in each eye using glasses, contact lenses, or surgery
- ✓Significant color blindness may be disqualifying
Hearing requirement
- ✓Standard pure tone hearing thresholds must be no greater than 30 dB at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, or 3000 Hz in either ear
- ✓If thresholds are >30 dB but <61 dB, testing with a hearing aid is required (at candidate’s expense via a NYS licensed audiologist)
- ✓Candidates with pure tone thresholds greater than 60 dB are disqualified
Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Candidates must pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) to enter the Academy. The PAT consists of three components:
- ✓Sit-ups
- ✓Push-ups
- ✓1.5-mile run
ℹ️ Prepare now: The PAT date for the August 2027 class is TBD. Use the time before your test to train consistently. Visit joinstatepolice.ny.gov/fitness-requirements for exact standards and training guidance.
Paid Time Off — Annual Accruals
| Leave Type | Annual Accrual | Maximum Accrual |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave (Vacation) | 120 hours/year | Up to 224 hours |
| Personal Leave | 24 hours/year | Up to 40 hours |
| Sick Leave | 104 hours/year | — |
Additional Benefits
12 Weeks Paid Parental LeaveTo bond with a newly born, adopted, or fostered child.
Health InsuranceMedical, dental, and optical insurance coverage for you and your family.
Excellent RetirementOption to retire at 20 years of service with 50% of salary — one of the best pension plans available.
All Uniforms & Equipment ProvidedIncludes dry cleaning services for uniforms throughout your career — no out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for the August 2027 Academy?
The application deadline is August 17, 2026. The entrance exam must be completed by September 1, 2026. Apply at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.
How much do NY State Troopers earn?
During the Academy, total compensation is up to $70,748 (based on hiring date). After graduation, pay ranges from $82,608 (Upstate) to $92,341 (Nassau/Suffolk). After one year, the minimum compensation is $109,620 (Upstate). After five years, total compensation reaches up to $138,778 in Nassau/Suffolk.
Do I need a college degree to become a NY State Trooper?
No four-year degree is required. You need a HS diploma or equivalency plus one of: 30 college credit hours (including non-traditional credits), successful completion of military Initial Entry Training with an honorable discharge, or completion of the Basic Course for Police Officers certified by the NYS MPTC.
Can military experience qualify me?
Yes — in multiple ways. Military completion of Initial Entry Training satisfies the education credit requirement. Military service also extends the maximum age limit (one year per year of service, up to 7 years). Active military applicants may also apply after the standard filing period in some cases — contact a recruitment officer for details.
What is the age limit for appointment?
You must be at least 21 years old to be appointed and must be appointed before your 43rd birthday. Veterans may add up to 7 years to the maximum age based on years of active military duty.
Do I need to live in New York State?
Yes. You must be a New York State resident and hold a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment.
What is the retirement benefit?
NY State Troopers may retire after 20 years of service with 50% of their salary — one of the most generous law enforcement pension plans in the country.
Where can I get more information or find a recruiter?
Visit joinstatepolice.ny.gov/find-your-recruitment-officer to connect with a State Police Recruitment Officer in your area.
Apply Now — August 2027 Academy
Application deadline: August 17, 2026. Entrance exam deadline: September 1, 2026. Total compensation up to $138,778 after 5 years. Retire at 20 years with 50% of salary.
Apply Now at joinstatepolice.ny.gov ↗ Find a Recruiter Near You ↗The New York State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.