Officers with the California Highway Patrol are getting a 6.2% raise, taking the starting salary to nearly $111,000.

The raise — which is retroactive to July 1 — gives CHP leaders an enhanced tool in their efforts to fill 1,000 vacant officer positions.

The “Join the CHP 1,000” campaign began in June and aims to cast a wide net to attract qualified candidates reflective of the state’s diversity. The CHP now has about 6,650 officers.

To qualify as a CHP cadet, an applicant must be 20 to 35 years old, a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship, and have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates also must pass a physical abilities test and written exam, and have no felony convictions.

Twenty-six Weeks of Paid Training

Cadets earn $5,563 each month over 26 weeks at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. Graduates are then assigned to communities throughout California.

“Anyone who may be wondering if they have what it takes to become a CHP officer, let me be the first to tell you that you do,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “If you are compassionate, driven to serve, and have a desire to learn, the CHP provides some of the best law enforcement training in the world, and we will do all we can to ensure your success.”

Further Information

For information about “Join the CHP 1,000” or to apply, visit www.chpcareers.com. Candidates also can call the recruitment unit at (916) 843-4300.