Montana Department of Justice - MONTANA HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER

Are you ready to serve your community and the State of Montana?

As a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper, you won’t just be enforcing traffic laws, you’ll be serving Montana’s communities with professionalism, compassion, and courage.

From ensuring road safety to combating illegal drug trafficking, responding to emergencies, and protecting vulnerable populations from crimes like human trafficking, you’ll be a vital part of keeping Montana safe.

Now Hiring: Entry-Level & Lateral Trooper Applicants

Whether you're just beginning your career in law enforcement or bringing valuable experience from another agency, we invite you to answer the call to serve.

Key Dates for 2025-2026 hiring cycle

Initial resume screening: October 20, 2025
Virtual written testing: October 27–31, 2025
Entry-Level Trooper MHP Advanced Academy (Boulder, MT): March 30, 2026
MLEA Basic Academy (Helena, MT): April 23 – July 21, 2026
MHP Advanced Academy (Boulder, MT): July 22, 2026
Lateral Trooper Advanced Academy (Boulder, MT): July 13, 2026
All gear; uniforms, weapons, housing, and meals are provided during training (except days off).

During the academies, candidates are considered a State of Montana employee and are eligible for State of Montana benefits and the entry level employees will receive compensation at $28.24 per hour, and the lateral level employees will receive compensation at $34.28.

After successfully completing the MHP Advanced Academy, candidates will be sworn in as Troopers.   Upon being sworn in as a Trooper, the minimum starting pay is $34.28 per hour (laterals pay will stay the same). After successful completion of a Trooper’s probationary year, the minimum pay is $35.83. The Troopers have a career ladder, and increases are based upon longevity.

Minimum Qualifications (per MCA 7-32-303)

At the time of application, candidates must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be a United States citizen
Have a high school diploma or GED
Possess a valid driver’s license
Meet driving and background qualifications
Lateral applicants must also have a current Basic Law Enforcement POST Certificate (Montana or another state) issued within the last 5 years.

Benefits of joining the Montana Highway Patrol.

State of Montana - medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
Highway Patrol Officers Retirement System (20 years of service, age 50)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
11+ paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts
VETERANS: VA Education Benefits available for veterans during the probationary training period.

Selection process includes:

Background Investigation
Driving & Criminal History Check
Drug Testing
Psychological & Physical Evaluations
Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
National Police Officer Selection Test
Job Suitability Testing
One-on-One Interview
How to Apply

Submit your application and attach your resume
Tip: Be sure to mark your resume as a “Relevant File” when uploading.
Your resume should clearly outline relevant job duties and qualifications, include start/end dates (month/year), and reasons for leaving each role.
We’re looking for individuals who don’t just want a job, they want to serve something greater than themselves.

Locations: Glendive, Superior, Culbertson, Big Timber, Billings, Forsyth, Livingston, Sidney, Columbus, Bozeman, Glasgow and Great Falls

Resume deadline (based on your computer's time zone): Oct 19, 2025,11:59:00 PM