Department of Public Safety

The Freedom To
Decide
Your
Future

Iowa State Patrol badge

Now
Hiring

Basic and Prior Certified Officers for the 55th Academy

Hiring Soon: State Trooper Positions

Open: May 23rd, 2025

Closing: June 28th, 2025

  • Pay is reflected on Fiscal Year 2026 (Beginning June 20, 2025)
  • Pay does not include any additional pay such as per diem, shift differential pay and potential benefits.
  • Hiring Bonus For Prior Certified Officers Received Upon Academy Graduation

$5,000 Hiring Bonus

for Prior Certified Officers

Advanced Pay for Years of Service

Trooper 2 Salary Information:

Starting pay = $68,827.20

2 Years = $71,926.40

3 Years = $75,025.60

5+ Years =  $78,124.80

10 STEP SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for the State of Iowa requires successfully completing ALL of the 10 phases shown below, including attending and graduating from the DPS Academy. Failing any step will result in elimination from the process.  Applicants are encouraged to produce the best test scores during each of the test phases so it allows the greatest opportunity for a Conditional Offer and Final Offer of Employment.

Benefits & FAQ

Learn about benefits provided by Iowa DPS and some answers to frequently asked questions.

DPS Academy: TRAIN THE BEST, TO BE THE BEST

Our goal at the Iowa Department of Public Safety is to develop well trained, self disciplined individuals who are mentally mature, physically sound, and emotionally stable. Our intense training program is designed to keep you and the public safe. From the moment you walk into the academy until the day you hit the streets, you will be professionally trained and equipped to be successful throughout your career. We earn our reputation at the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

DIVISIONS:

JOIN DPS IN A PROFESSIONAL CAREER

There are so many ways to help the community and be a part of a great team here at Iowa DPS. Explore the opportunities we have to offer in a professional career.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION | TRAVEL | EVENTS

We provide opportunities to work within the community at some of Iowa’s most spectacular events and venues. Air Wing, Chaplain Program, Crisis Negotiators, Honor Guard, Public Resource Officer Unit, Technical Collision Investigation (TI) Unit, K-9 Unit, Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit Program, Narcotics, Criminal Investigation, and so much more. Explore what we have to offer, and find your calling.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit

We are looking for driven people committed to keeping the people of Iowa safe. The Iowa Department of Public Safety offers endless opportunities for a fulfilling career. Explore the possibilities and choose your path.

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THE STATE OF IOWA

We proudly wear the Iowa Nice badge and working with the Iowa community is our passion. We aren’t serving strangers, we are helping friends, neighbors, fans, and family. You won’t find another community as friendly and supportive as the one we have here in Iowa.

DIVISION OF NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT

You have a chance to make a difference in your community here at Iowa DPS. We are determined to clean the drugs off our streets. We target major drug related crimes and partner with outside state and Federal agencies. If you are dedicated and determined to make a difference, this is the Division for you.

DIVISION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Our opportunities within the DCI allows you to investigate the highest profile crimes across the State of Iowa. Our Criminal Investigation unit is the gold standard in solving crimes working with local and federal agencies. The options are endless, and you will be supported every step of the way to help achieve your goals.



State Fire Marshal’s Office

At Iowa DPS we offer opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, there is always room for professional growth. If you are looking for a challenge, seeking success, Iowa DPS is home.

Iowa State Patrol badge

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AT IOWA DPS

We have so many amazing and inspiring success stories here at Iowa DPS, and we are looking to add even more. See how you can get started in this exciting career. Great pay, great benefits, and work anywhere in the State. Take the first step to a rewarding and fulfilling career.

BE ELITE

See why the Iowa DPS is the most respected, honored, and admired law enforcement agency in the State.

Now Hiring

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE IOWA DPS

There are so many ways to help the community and be a part of a great team here at Iowa DPS. Explore the opportunities we have to offer in a professional career.

Department of Public Safety
DIVISIONS:

INSTAGRAM

The Build My Future event is a great opportunity to expose students to careers in law enforcement. We really appreciated the curiosity of the students and their eagerness to learn about various career paths. 
For more information about the Department of Public Safety visit DPScareers.com.
Are you looking for a rewarding and fulfilling job!? The DPS is looking for a Program Planner 3 to will oversee the accreditation and policy/procedure management for various critical programs for the Department of Public Safety. You will function as the manager and subject matter expert for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation and policy management, lead the DPS Point of Contact team through the evaluation and review of policies and procedures to ensure statutory changes, legal updates, and law enforcement best practices are incorporated into policy revisions and meet accreditation standards.

See more details and apply today here! 
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5281280/program-planner-3-accreditation-coordinator
Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? 
Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)? 

This program is designed to provide a real life, unpaid, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will be exposed to various divisions and bureaus within DPS while gaining understanding of their operational structures and while fulfilling academic requirements through your university.

Find out more and apply today! 
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5278482/fall-2026-semester-iowa-department-of-public-safety-internship
Defensive Tactics training is essential for all Troopers to effectively defend themselves and others. Week 11 of the Basic Academy was full of DT for our recruits. During the remaining nine weeks of the academy, recruits will participate in firearms training, driving training, and continue to build skills in DT. May 22nd graduation will be here before we know it!
Are you ready to serve your community and take the first step in becoming an Iowa State Trooper? The Department of Public Safety is now hiring for Peace Officer Candidates. This is the perfect opportunity if you’re wanting to be a Trooper to get your foot in the door. You’ll provide security for the State Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill Governor's Residence with some of the best mentors as you prepare for the academy. 

Applications are open now! Don’t wait; start your career now! 

▶ https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5257805-0/peace-officer-candidate-iowa-state-patrol-capitol-complex
Do you or someone you know work well with numbers, master spreadsheets, and enjoy keeping track of every penny? Check out our Senior Budget Analyst position. Click on the below link for the job posting: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5254361/senior-budget-analyst-budget-analyst-5
The IHSAA State Wrestling tournament has officially began! The Iowa Department of Public Safety will be at the Casey's Center cheering on our state's wrestlers during the event. We will be having our own competition, so stop by and test your strength to win some cool new prizes!

Good luck to all the wrestlers!
Just 12 hours left to apply to the DPS 55th Academy! Applications close today at midnight. Be apart of the dream team in 2026 with the Iowa State Patrol. Apply today at DPSCareers.com

Sworn Officer Positions

Application process is closed.

Next application process coming January 2026

To apply for a sworn officer position, please complete the link below. The application process will close on February 15th, 2026.

Peace Officer Candidate (Non-Sworn)

To apply for a Peace Officer Candidate (non-sworn) position, please complete the link below.

Civilian Positions

If you are interested in working with Iowa DPS in a civilian role, please visit the link below.