Here’s How to Join Missouri State Highway Patrol

Do you think you have what it takes to be part of the long arm of the law in Missouri? If so, now is the time for action as the window is now open for the next class of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. It pays pretty good, too.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol just shared the news a few days ago that they were ready to open up their applications for their 126th recruiting class. Testing will take place in Jefferson City, Missouri. Those who pass that process will begin training on April 20, 2026.

What are the requirements to become a Missouri state trooper?

• You must have a high school GED equivalent or higher education
• You must be 21 years of age or higher by the time you graduate from the training academy
• You can't have any tattoos that "cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc" and the tattoos can't be visible to the public performing normal actions of a highway patrol officer

What are the benefits if you pass testing and graduate from the academy?

• Starting annual salary when entering the Academy is $66,432
• Pay increases to $73,825 when you graduate
• After 3 years, pay increases to $77,568
• Maximum annual salary is $98,448 after 12 years of service

Sound good? You can apply now to get started on the road to become a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer.