Updated 2026-10-02 · 133 departments say how the academy works
Police departments that pay for the academy
85 departments say in their current posting that recruits are hired first and paid a salary while they attend the academy, with tuition, uniforms and equipment covered. 48 others say the opposite: they only hire people who already hold an academy certificate, so you would attend on your own time and money first. Each row quotes the posting. Median starting pay at the departments that sponsor you is $68,786, below the $70,081 national median.
Pay you through the academy
85
in 30 statesMedian starting pay
$68,786
all departments $70,081Academy graduates only
48
certificate required before hireWhere the sponsoring departments are
California (25)Florida (6)Missouri (4)Connecticut (3)Ohio (3)South Carolina (3)Texas (3)Virginia (3)Washington (3)Wisconsin (3)Alaska (2)Arizona (2)Colorado (2)Indiana (2)Kansas (2)Massachusetts (2)New Jersey (2)New York (2)North Carolina (2)Delaware (1)Iowa (1)Maryland (1)Michigan (1)Nebraska (1)Oregon (1)Pennsylvania (1)Rhode Island (1)Utah (1)West Virginia (1)Wyoming (1)
Hired and paid while in the academy: 85 departments
By starting pay| Department | State | Starting pay | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale PD “Attends police academy and learns to perform a wide range of public safety work involving the protection of life and property including law enforcement, crime prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and basic life support activities” | CA | $142,327 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Santa Barbara PD “Under close supervision, learns law enforcement and crime prevention procedures and techniques during attendance at a 24-week P.O.S.T.-certified academy through classroom and physical training.” | CA | $120,963 | Hiring · 3 | |
| San Mateo County Sheriff “Under close supervision, trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, where they develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to serve as a deputy sheriff while working toward earning the POST Basic Certificate.” | CA | $119,350 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Beverly Hills PD “While attending the Academy
$111,285” | CA | $111,285 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Alaska State Troopers “You will receive high-caliber training at no expense and will earn wages and benefits while attending the academy.” | AK | $97,365 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Laguna Beach PD “Recruits are hired at the first step of the salary range and are required to attend the police academy training which is approximately six (6) months in length.” | CA | $97,357 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Livermore PD “Trainees are initially hired in a non-sworn civilian classification and earning $44.44 per hour with benefits while attending the Police Academy.” | CA | $97,070 | Hiring · 2 | |
| King County Sheriff “Entry Deputy cadets begin their career with a generous salary package and sponsorship to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA).” | WA | $95,909 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Signal Hill PD “Upon graduation from the academy, police recruits are elevated to sworn police officer with full salary, safety status, and benefits.” | CA | $95,041 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Santa Rosa PD “Police Officer Trainees learn to enforce Federal, State and local laws and to respond to calls for the protection of life and property by attending a Police Academy.” | CA | $92,332 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Oakland PD “Upon graduation from the academy, the benefits package includes a pension provided by the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS); vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays; education tuition reimbursement; life insurance; employee assistance program; and deferred compensation plan.” | CA | $90,031 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Newark PD “Full salary during attendance at the police academy and provides all necessary academy equipment” | DE | $87,505 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Los Angeles PD “You will be required to attend a six-month, 40-hour per week training and orientation program, during which you will receive full pay” | CA | $87,257 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Hawthorne PD “During the academy, recruits will receive a Police Officer/Recruit salary.” | CA | $87,156 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Gresham PD “Following a job offer, Gresham PD will send candidates for a department-paid medical/physical exam” | OR | $84,968 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Lone Tree PD “New Recruit in Academy $67,163” | CO | $83,949 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Kettering PD “Paid Ohio equivalency training (if necessary) and Tuition Reimbursement” | OH | $81,598 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Rhode Island State Police “During the twenty-two (22) week Training Academy, recruits receive a salary of $1,800 bi-weekly.” | RI | $81,579 | Hiring · 1 | |
| El Segundo PD “Paid Police Academy Fees” | CA | $80,938 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Stockton PD “This non-sworn training position learns general police work, and under close supervision, participates in a comprehensive training program.” | CA | $80,639 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Wasilla PD “Employer paid academy, uniform and equipment” | AK | $80,558 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Enfield PD “Full pay while at the academy” | CT | $80,288 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Colleyville PD “(Police Cadets earn $6,028.64 monthly while in the Academy)” | TX | $80,059 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Tustin PD “This is an entry-level position in which new hires will be placed in a local, 6-month POST certified Police Academy paid for by the City.” | CA | $79,102 | Hiring · 7 | |
| San Diego PD “If hired, attendance at a PAID Regional San Diego Police Academy is required to satisfy California state certification requirements.” | CA | $76,170 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Englewood PD “Salary will begin at the Academy Trainee level during the police academy and all police academy costs are paid by the police department.” | CO | $75,234 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Indianapolis PD “New recruits get paid during the academy” | IN | $74,459 | Hiring · 1 | |
| New Albany PD “Police Officer recruits start at $34.05 per hour ($70,828.37 annually) and upon graduation from the police academy, receive an immediate step increase” | OH | $73,633 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Sausalito PD “Pay: $36.38 Hourly during academy attendance” | CA | $73,445 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Coral Springs PD “Coral Springs Police Department Law Enforcement Trainees are fully sponsored while attending the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Police Academy. Law Enforcement Trainees are eligible for insurance benefits while attending the Police Academy. Additionally, tuition, books and any other required class materials are fully paid for.” | FL | $73,253 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Middleton PD “Academy Officer rate: $34.88 per hour” | WI | $72,550 | Hiring · 1 | |
| San Bernardino PD “While in the Academy, LETs are paid an hourly wage and benefits.” | CA | $72,322 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Napa PD “Our Police Officer Trainees are paid $34 - $41 per hour and receive benefits while attending the police academy.” | CA | $72,177 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Washington State Patrol “After successfully completing the required training, Trooper Cadets are promoted to Trooper and will receive a Trooper's monthly salary of $7,763.00” | WA | $71,408 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Sebastopol PD “The selected self-sponsored academy candidates will receive a conditional offer upon a qualified application and full hourly pay while attending the police academy.” | CA | $70,990 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Groton Town PD “$70,699 (Academy Rate)” | CT | $70,699 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Waukee PD “After successful completion of the police academy, wages may increase.” | IA | $70,200 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Nebraska State Patrol “During the Training Academy, recruits earn a minimum of $28.85 per hour while attending.” | NE | $70,200 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Orange PD “Academy Recruit pay $70,154 – Probationary Officer pay upon Academy Graduation $77,733.” | CT | $70,154 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Oak Harbor PD “The compensation begins with a pre-academy recruit level.” | WA | $69,168 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Pinellas County Sheriff “Individuals receive an annual salary of $68,960.00 while attending the 21-week academy.” | FL | $68,960 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Onalaska PD “The City also pays for academy costs - tuition, books, and police uniform gear.” | WI | $68,786 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Wyoming Highway Patrol “Paid training from day one” | WY | $68,619 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Coral Gables PD “$10,000 hiring Bonus and Police Academy Sponsorship” | FL | $68,515 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Amador County Sheriff “Yes. If you successfully complete the hiring process for Deputy Sheriff Trainee, the Amador County Sheriff's Office will pay for you to attend the academy and as a county employee you will be paid an hourly wage and a variety of benefits are available to you.” | CA | $68,245 | Hiring · 9 | |
| Prince William County PD “If you do not hold a current Virginia law enforcement certification, you will be paid while attending the academy!” | VA | $66,596 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Cleveland PD “The starting 2026 salary while in the Police Training Academy is $26.52 per hour.” | OH | $66,467 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Indiana State Police “The starting salary for an Indiana State Police (ISP) recruit is $2,538.47 bi-weekly as a Trooper Trainee during the academy training.” | IN | $66,000 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Wichita PD “Pay and after successfully completing and graduation from the recruit training program: $34.1225” | KS | $65,832 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Howard County PD “Paid Academy Training” | MD | $65,541 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Fort Worth PD “Earn $5,460* per month (while in Police Academy Training)” | TX | $65,520 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Rohnert Park PD “Trainees are considered probationary City of Rohnert Park employees and will be sent to a basic police academy at the City's expense, in addition to receiving a full salary while attending the academy.” | CA | $65,141 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Casa Grande PD “Upon successful completion of the Academy, Police Recruits will be reclassified to Police Officer and placed into Salary Range 62, with an equivalent salary range of: Minimum $72,860, Midpoint $87,250, and Maximum $101,640.” | AZ | $63,565 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Kansas Highway Patrol “While in the academy: $30.03/hour” | KS | $62,462 | Hiring · 1 | |
| East Palo Alto PD “During the academy, the following benefits will be available: For medical coverage, the City contracts with Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city pays 100% employee-only Kaiser Coverage and 65% Dependent Coverage up to the Kaiser Coverage Plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental. The city pays the full cost for employees only., Long Term Disability, Life insurance $25,000.00 until successfully graduated from Academy then will increase to $50,000.00, CalPERS Retirement” | CA | $62,400 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Verona PD “One week of orientation training would begin prior to a paid sponsorship for the Police Academy, which begins January 11, 2027.” | WI | $60,993 | Hiring · 1 | |
| New York City PD “Full salary and benefits are available on the first day of academy training.” | NY | $60,884 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Sierra Vista PD “Candidates hired with no prior law enforcement experience will be hired at the police recruit pay and will remain at that pay until they complete the academy, field training and their probation period of one year” | AZ | $60,008 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Rockledge PD “We will pay you $25.76 while attending the Police Academy and help you to get a grant to pay for your academy.” | FL | $60,000 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Chester County Sheriff “The County will now offer paid-for certification training from the hiring start-date.” | PA | $57,724 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Springfield PD “Through our 6-month paid Police Academy, as a Police Recruit you will develop skills to:” | MO | $57,574 | Hiring · 4 | |
| South Carolina Highway Patrol “The employee will be paid a bonus amount of $1,500 upon the successful completion of all basic training, Criminal Justice Academy Class 1 certification training, field training, and any applicable law enforcement training requirements established for the SCHP.” | SC | $57,361 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Michigan State Police “At the entry level of this classification, employees are initially assigned (earning a paycheck and health insurance benefits) to the Michigan State Police (MSP) where one completes the required law enforcement officer residential training program” | MI | $56,118 | Hiring · 1 | |
| St. Peters PD “Academy tuition paid by the Department” | MO | $55,910 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Suffolk County PD “$55,304 upon hire, through the Academy” | NY | $55,304 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Cambridge PD “The new Cambridge-Northeastern Police Academy is a paid, 20-week program.” | MA | $55,000 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Stanislaus County Sheriff “Stanislaus County will pay for the cost of the Basic POST Academy.” | CA | $54,954 | Hiring · 6 | |
| York County Sheriff “deputy candidates are paid their normal salary while attending” | SC | $54,662 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Big Spring PD “Non-certified academy cadets receive comprehensive training at their full starting salary, including sixteen weeks at the police academy before field training at the department.” | TX | $54,109 | Hiring · 1 | |
| West Virginia State Police “Cadets are paid and receive full benefits while at the academy. All equipment issued, meals and lodging are fully paid for by the department.” | WV | $53,724 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Humboldt County Sheriff “Incumbents in this position will attend a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy which will be paid in full by the Sheriff's Office.” | CA | $53,061 | Hiring · 9 | |
| Winchester PD “We provide fully paid training at a state-certified law enforcement academy.” | VA | $52,267 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Gastonia PD “while receiving pay and City benefits” | NC | $51,300 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Lexington County Sheriff “Academy training is paid by the Department, and employees receive full compensation while attending the Academy” | SC | $51,294 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Citrus County Sheriff “Candidates are encouraged to apply for a limited number of paid sponsorships to the law enforcement academy at Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC).” | FL | $50,003 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Roanoke PD “Annual Salary while attending Academy: $52,089.86” | VA | $49,391 | Hiring · 8 | |
| Greenville PD “As a Police Officer Trainee, you will be compensated to attend an approved Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academy” | NC | $48,506 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Bell Gardens PD “Work involves full-time attendance at a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified Basic police academy to prepare for the responsibilities of a police officer. Academy attendees will be hired on as Police Officer Trainee and paid $3,617.00 per month.” | CA | $43,404 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Sanford PD “Applicants currently enrolled in Florida Law Enforcement Certification training may be eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $3500 of verified expenses for said training.” | FL | $41,600 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Newark PD “No Civil Service Test Required and Police Academy Need-Based Stipend Offered by Mayor Ras J. Baraka and The City of Newark.” | NJ | $41,592 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Atlantic City PD “Academy Salary: $40,000.00” | NJ | $40,000 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Pilot Knob PD “All training paid by the City (Online or attend classes)” | MO | $37,440 | Hiring · 1 | |
| El Dorado Springs PD “Paid training” | MO | $36,774 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Boston PD “Attend the paid 32-week Boston Police Academy, which includes classroom instruction, tactical training, and physical conditioning.” | MA | Not published | Hiring · 1 | |
| Salt Lake City PD “Recruits are paid their police officer salary while attending the academy.” | UT | Not published | Hiring · 1 |
Academy graduates only: 48 departments
By starting pay| Department | State | Starting pay | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Altos PD “Must possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police Academy” | CA | $139,740 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Alameda PD “Possess a valid graduation certificate from a California POST accredited Police Academy issued within three (3) years prior to appointment” | CA | $119,600 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Daly City PD “Have satisfactorily completed a P.O.S.T. approved academy.” | CA | $114,962 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Santa Clara PD “To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a 1) City of Santa Clara Employment Application and 2) Proof of completion of a Basic Peace Officer Academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)” | CA | $114,713 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Pasadena PD “APPLICANTS MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A CALIFORNIA POST BASIC POLICE ACADEMY WITHIN THE LAST 36 MONTHS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRE-SERVICE STATUS.” | CA | $110,285 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Buena Park PD “THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY GRADUATED FROM A CALIFORNIA POST-CERTIFIED BASIC POLICE ACADEMY BUT ARE NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AS A SWORN POLICE OFFICER WITH A CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY” | CA | $109,803 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Truckee PD “Graduation from a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified basic law enforcement academy.” | CA | $108,826 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Santa Monica PD “Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.” | CA | $98,259 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Long Beach PD “Proof of Completion from a California POST Certified Basic Academy within 2 years of issuance.” | CA | $97,635 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Kirkland PD “Must have successfully completed an accredited Police Basic Training Academy curriculum” | WA | $96,731 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Bremerton PD | WA | $96,236 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Covina PD “Applicants must be a graduate of a CA POST Certified Police Academy or currently enrolled in a CA POST Certified Police Academy in order to qualify.” | CA | $96,177 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Baldwin Park PD “Completion of a POST-approved academy within the last three (3) years or no more than a three (3) year break in service as a California Peace Officer is required.” | CA | $94,683 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Lakewood PD “This position is designed for experienced police officers and does not include entry-level (recruit) hiring or academy sponsorship.” | CO | $89,482 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Thurston County Sheriff “Current Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate.” | WA | $86,544 | Hiring · 9 | |
| Pleasant Hill PD “graduation from P.O.S.T. basic academy” | CA | $83,940 | Hiring · 5 | |
| Hanford PD “Completion of a POST approved basic academy.” | CA | $82,284 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Santa Maria PD “Graduation from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate Law Enforcement Academy.” | CA | $82,282 | Hiring · 4 | |
| West Sacramento PD “Entry level: Completion of POST Basic Academy.” | CA | $82,003 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Vernon PD “THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR RECENT CALIFORNIA STATE POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATES.” | CA | $81,936 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Paso Robles PD “Please note this recruitment is intended for academy grad/entry level officers (less than two years of experience). Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application.” | CA | $80,350 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Eureka PD “Valid certificate showing completion of a California POST Basic Training Academy. This certificate must be attached to your application.” | CA | $73,200 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Delaware County Sheriff | OH | $72,842 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Lincoln City PD “Attendance and successful completion of the Police Academy and possession of DPSST Basic certificate required within eighteen (18) months of appointment” | OR | $72,384 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Shasta County Sheriff “Possession of a current, valid Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate of Completion awarded by P.O.S.T.” | CA | $72,108 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Miami Gardens PD “Applicants who are currently attending a police academy, are self-sponsored, and are scheduled to graduate within three months of the closing date of this posting are encouraged to apply for the Certified Police Officer position.” | FL | $68,250 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Upland PD “Qualified applicants will be required to show proof of successful completion of a POST accredited Police Academy within the last 3 years” | CA | $67,704 | Hiring · 3 | |
| El Centro PD “Completion of Level III and Level II and in the process of completion of a POST Level I Academy (with confirmation from the Academy).” | CA | $67,283 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Paradise PD “Police Officer - Academy Graduate” | CA | $67,101 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Vallejo PD “Possess a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate” | CA | $66,560 | Hiring · 3 | |
| Casselberry PD “THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED/PAID POLICE ACADEMY POSITION.” | FL | $64,890 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Storey County Sheriff “completion of POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) at an approved basic police academy” | NV | $63,521 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Placentia PD “completion of a California Basic Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy within the last twelve (12) months from the date of application submission.” | CA | $61,343 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Rocky Mount PD “Must possess a valid or current Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.) certificate. Candidates must provide documentation of (B.L.E.T.) certificate.” | NC | $60,000 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Southfield PD “This position is not sponsored to the police academy.” | MI | $59,457 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Karnes County Sheriff “Must have completed a Texas Basic Peace Officer course and be licensable by TCOLE.” | TX | $57,990 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Montebello PD “Must have satisfactorily completed a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy or be enrolled.” | CA | $57,096 | Hiring · 4 | |
| Benson PD “Completion of a state basic training academy” | AZ | $57,002 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Alachua County Sheriff | FL | $53,000 | Hiring · 5 | |
| Dearborn PD “Current Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification as a Police Officer.” | MI | $52,915 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Media PD “Act 120 (Municipal Police Training) completion or equivalent certification required.” | PA | $51,626 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Forsyth County Sheriff | NC | $51,537 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Spearman PD “TCOLE Certification” | TX | $50,000 | Hiring · 2 | |
| Branson PD “Successful completion of a Certified Law Enforcement Academy” | MO | $49,421 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Forsyth PD “Class A or B Missouri POST certification” | MO | $40,560 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Vernon County Sheriff “Must possess a valid class A or B Missouri Peace Officer License.” | MO | $33,779 | Hiring · 1 | |
| Carrollton PD “Possess a valid certificate from a certified police academy” | MO | Not published | Hiring · 1 | |
| Walnut Grove PD “Candidates must have P.O.S.T. training/current certification prior to hiring.” | MO | Not published | Hiring · 2 |
Sponsored versus self-sponsored
Outside California and a few other states, the standard path is sponsored: the department hires you as a recruit, pays you from day one, and sends you to its own or a regional academy. Where self-sponsoring is common, applicants pay a community college academy themselves, typically several thousand dollars over four to six months, and apply afterward. Departments that hire graduates only skip the recruit stage, which is why some list a higher starting figure, but you carry the cost and the risk of not being hired. If a posting doesn't say which model it uses, ask the recruiter before you apply.
Related
Departments that don't require a college degreeDepartments hiring at 18, 19 and 20Starting pay by state
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