Pay and Benefits – Alaska State Troopers Recruitment

The Alaska State Troopers offer one of the highest law enforcement salaries in the nation, with a general cost of living comparable to the pacific northwest. While the job of providing law enforcement in The Last Frontier is not an easy one, the salary and benefits we offer ensure you are able to have a quality lifestyle for you and your family, across the state.

Base rate (without geographical differentials), premium pay, shift differentials, standby pay factored in.

State Trooper Recruit
$45.01/hour ($93,62.80/year)

State Trooper Recruit with a Bachelor degree or higher
$46.69/hour ($97,115.20/year)

Applicants with a current police certification and at least one year of experience may qualify for higher rates of pay:

State Trooper Lateral

Experience:
1 year: $48.45/ hour ($100,776/year)
2 years: $50.27/hour ($104,561/year)
3 years: $52.16/hour ($108,492/year)
4 years: $54.12/hour ($112,569/year)
5 years: $56.15/hour ($116,792/year)
6+ years: $58.26/hour ($112,180/year)

(Bachelor’s degree add 3.75% to lateral salaries above)

Trooper pay is based upon geographical assignment. Pay rates can increase up to 60% from the base rate, depending on assignment location.

< 2 years of service = 14 hours per month
2-5 years = 17.5 hours per month
5-10 years = 21 hours per month
10-15 years = 24.5 hours per month
15+ years of service = 28 hours per month

Leave can be cashed in at the standard hourly rate. For complete details, see the Public Safety Employees’ Association Collective Bargaining Agreement at:

State Troopers’ Employment Contract

Shift Differential Pay

Swings (12:00PM-7:59PM) 3.75%
Graves (8:00PM-03:59AM) 7.5%

Premium Pay

Standby Pay: 2 hours of pay at regular straight time per day Education Incentive (Bachelor’s Degree or higher) 3.75%
Instructor Pay 5%
SWAT 5%
Pilot 5%
Field Training Officer 7.5%
Officer in charge of shift 5%
Investigator 7.5%
Intermediate Police Certificate 3%
Advanced Police Certificate 3.75%
K9 Handler Premium Pay

Geographical Differential Pay

These range from 0% to 60% above basic pay rate and vary based on geographical location in Alaska

Between the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and the Supplemental Annuity Plan, new Troopers will see their retirement savings growing at a minimum of 25.25% of their salary, each year. Coupled with good asset management, this rapid contribution rate may result in a very robust retirement. The State of Alaska recommends seeking professional advice in the management of retirement funds, and the State of Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits offers opportunities for retirement planning education, state of the art tools, investment option information and easy account management. For more information, see the Retirement Plan Main Page at:

Retirement and Benefits Homepage

Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (DCR) (IRS 401a plan) Employee contribution 8% of Salary Employer Contribution 5% of Salary
(employer portion vests at five years)

Defined Contribution Plans Handbook

Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan (SBS) – IRS 401a plan in lieu of social security. Employee contributes 6.125% of salary, employer contributes 6.125% of salary.

Supplemental Annuity Plan

Alaska Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) – IRS 457 plan: Employee may voluntarily contribute additional funds, no employer match.

Defined Contribution Plan Retiree Insurance Information Booklet

After successfully completing the 18-week DPS Training Academy, Alaska State and Wildlife Trooper Recruits will be provided paid administrative time (five days) to travel home, move themselves to Alaska, then submit receipts of their expenses for reimbursement up to $10,000. For guidance on what is covered, see the Alaska Administrative Manual AAM 60.350 .