Benefits & FAQ
Here is information about benefits provided by Iowa DPS and some answers to frequently asked questions.
The Benefits
Iowa DPS stands with you. The benefits are limitless when you join Iowa DPS. Now is the time to join. Watch the video to learn about benefits for sworn officers.
This is the Iowa DPS Starting Salary Schedule. It does not include any additional pay such as per diem, shift differential pay and potential benefits.
| Effective Fiscal Year 2025 (Beginning June 21, 2024) | ||
| Annual Minimum | Annual Maximum | |
| Trooper 1 | $56,201.60 | $81,328.00 |
| Trooper 2 | $66,185.60 | $99,528.00 |
| Trooper 3 | $67,558.40 | $101,524.80 |
| Special Agent 2 | $74,152.00 | $111,446.40 |
| Effective Fiscal Year 2026 (Beginning June 20, 2025) | ||
| Annual Minimum | Annual Maximum | |
| Trooper 1 | $58,448.00 | $84,572.80 |
| Trooper 2 | $68,827.20 | $103,500.80 |
| Trooper 3 | $70,262.40 | $105,580.80 |
| Special Agent 2 | $77,126.40 | $115,897.60 |
| Effective Fiscal Year 2027 (Beginning June 19, 2026) | ||
| Annual Minimum | Annual Maximum | |
| Trooper 1 | $60,632.00 | $87,734.40 |
| Trooper 2 | $71,406.40 | $107,390.40 |
| Trooper 3 | $72,904.00 | $109,532.80 |
| Special Agent 2 | $80,017.60 | $120,244.80 |
The State of Iowa’s commitment to its employees is demonstrated by the compensation and benefits package provided to you by the State of Iowa. In addition to your direct compensation as a State of Iowa employee, a significant amount is spent on the benefit plans available to you and your family
Click here to learn more.
You automatically become a member of POR after you are sworn in as a peace officer with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. POR is a traditional “defined benefit” pension plan. Benefits grow throughout your POR-covered employment as your salary and years of service increase. Your retirement with POR will provide a lifetime benefit for you and for your family. POR benefits also offer financial protection for you and your family if the event of death or disability. Please click the link to learn more about POR: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/administrative-services/por/member-forms-info-and-questions. If you have questions about POR complete the contact a recruiter form.
The Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC), administered by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, is an employer-sponsored voluntary retirement savings program for employees of the state of Iowa and participating public entities. RIC is designed to supplement your pension (IPERS, POR, Judicial) and social security benefits at retirement. Contributions are made pretax through payroll deductions and investment earnings grow tax-deferred.
Click here to learn more.
FAQ
If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please contact a recruiter. We would be glad to answer any questions you have.
The DPS Academy is 20 weeks long. We also offer a 10-week Academy for certified officers during the next certified hiring process. Please note that if you are currently certified and you apply to the Basic Academy, you will need to complete the full 20-weeks.
Yes, current ILEA certified officers need to apply during an open application window and if selected, will need to attend the DPS Academy.
You can expect to spend several months completing the hiring process for the Iowa DPS Academy. Typically the process takes around 6 months. For in-depth information about each phase of the hiring process, please visit our website at www.dpscareers.com.
The law enforcement career path typically begins as a State Trooper. You are welcome to apply for any position that you would like. Please keep in mind that positions within other divisions are first posted internally for our current employees and it is somewhat rare that those positions would be filled by someone in the academy. We encourage you to be open to a potential position as a Trooper with the goal of then applying to become a Special Agent when eligible.
Please contact your local district office to begin the process of scheduling. Interested parties that have already submitted an employment application will be given priority for ride-along requests. Please click on this link to locate the state patrol post closest to you: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-state-patrol/iowa-state-patrol-district-offices
We will work with out-of-state applicants to minimize travel to Iowa to complete the 10 steps of the hiring process.
For every new selection process, new/current application forms must be submitted. You are not required to resubmit a new birth certificate, grade transcripts or DD214 if you applied in the two years prior to the current process. The only time you would be required to submit a new set of grade transcripts is in the event you attended additional college classes since the last time you applied with the department.
Application packets are kept on file for three years only. If you are not certain if the department has your documents on file from a previous selection process, it is suggested that these forms be resubmitted.
Click here to visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety website.
As a current State Trooper with DPS, you are eligible to transfer into Special Agent roles when you meet the minimum qualifications and positions are available.
*Click here to view minimum hiring qualifications
Click the apply button to get started towards a Special Agent career by getting started as a DPS Trooper.
Trooper Classifications
Trooper 1
Begin your career path as an Iowa State Trooper as early as age 18
Performs community policing, service and law enforcement duties including the regulation of the orderly flow of traffic and preserving the peace in and around the Capitol Complex and at Terrace Hill as a Department of Public Safety certified peace officer; performs related work as required.
Knowledge:
- Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Public Safety and Security – Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
- Telecommunications – Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities:
- Law and Government – Understand and adhere to applicable laws, legal codes, administrative rules, and regulations.
- Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Skills:
- Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
- Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Applicants must meet all the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation and certification from the Department of Public Safety Academy.
- Graduation and certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
- At least 18 years old.
Notes
Some positions in this class may require work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.
Trooper 2
Road Trooper Position assigned to various Iowa State Patrol District Offices across the state. Position available for individuals at least age 22
Performs enforcement, service, and other specific objectives of the Iowa State Patrol as a state peace officer as defined in the Code of Iowa. Positions assigned to Capitol Complex perform community policing, service, and law enforcement duties including security, regulation of the orderly flow of traffic, and preserving peace in and around the Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill; performs related work as required.
Knowledge:
- Public Safety and Security – Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Abilities:
- Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Skills:
- Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
- Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Applicants must meet all the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation and certification from the Department of Public Safety Academy.
- Graduation and certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
- At least 22 years old.
Notes
Some positions in this class may require work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.
In addition to the work examples above, Capitol Complex Trooper positions will also include the following:
- Reviews security and surveillance reports and determines need for dissemination to internal and external personnel.
- Assists governor’s security detail with protection and transportation of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the first lady when necessary; provides security for dignitaries and/or government officials; provides around-the-clock service on and around the Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill.
- Receives preliminary investigative reports of criminal activity on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill from state patrol officers. Serves as lead investigator for extortion threats, bomb threats, thefts, assaults, and other criminal activity occurring on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill. Contacts the Division of Criminal Investigation for assistance when investigating serious criminal activity.
- Serves as lead worker as necessary to assist supervisory personnel.
- Assists Iowa State Patrol Post 1 with patrol duties when assigned by supervisory personnel and as staffing permits.
- Patrols assigned areas for criminal activity, security, fires, and safety hazards on foot and by vehicle.
- Escorts people carrying funds for government agencies.
- Assists in building evacuations and other safety precautions including tornado warnings and disaster drills.
- Assists supervisors to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans and ensure training requirements of Capitol Complex officers are maintained.
After a minimum period of service as a trooper has been completed, the following assignments are available:
Community Services Officer (Minimum 3 years)
- Presents safety programs as assigned.
- Promotes and presents programs for civic, fraternal, and business organizations.
- Creates and maintains safety displays at conferences, training, etc.
- Participates in recruitment activities to effectively market the Department of Public Safety and employment opportunities within the department.
Trooper Pilot
- See job class description
Vehicle Theft Officer
- Conducts special investigations into vehicle thefts.
- Inspects recovered stolen vehicles for fingerprints, collects other evidence.
Technical Investigator/Accident Reconstructionist
- Initiates critical accident scene measurements.
- Prepares accident situation maps and determines speed calculations.
- Prepares reports and documents evidence for use as expert testimony.
Trooper 3
Road Trooper Position assigned to various Iowa State Patrol District Offices across the state. Position available for individuals at least age 22
Performs enforcement, service, and other specific objectives of the Iowa State Patrol as a state peace officer as defined in the Code of Iowa. Positions assigned to Capitol Complex perform community policing, service, and law enforcement duties including security, the regulation of the orderly flow of traffic and preserving the peace in and around the Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill; performs related work as required.
Knowledge:
- Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Public Safety and Security – Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
- Telecommunications – Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities:
- Law and Government – Understand and adhere to applicable laws, legal codes, administrative rules, and regulations.
- Speech Clarity – Speak clearly so others can understand.
- Speech Recognition – Identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
- Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Skills:
- Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
- Service Orientation – Actively looking for ways to help people.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to eleven years of full-time work as a peace officer in the department.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in any field, and experience equal to thirteen years of full-time work as a peace officer in the department.
- Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes fifteen years of full-time work as a peace officer in the department.
Notes
This position is only available by promotion from the position of Iowa State Trooper.
Employees must possess the ability to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.
In addition to the work examples above, Capitol Complex Trooper positions will also include the following:
- Reviews security and surveillance reports and determines need for dissemination to internal and external personnel.
- Assists governor’s security detail with protection and transportation of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the first lady when necessary; provides security for dignitaries and/or government officials; provides around-the-clock service on and around the Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill.
- Receives preliminary investigative reports of criminal activity on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill from state patrol officers. Serves as lead investigator for extortion threats, bomb threats, thefts, assaults, and other criminal activity occurring on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill. Contacts the Division of Criminal Investigation for assistance when investigating serious criminal activity.
- Serves as lead worker as necessary to assist supervisory personnel.
- Assists Iowa State Patrol Post 1 with patrol duties when assigned by supervisory personnel and as staffing permits.
- Patrols assigned areas for criminal activity, security, fires, and safety hazards on foot and by vehicle.
- Escorts people carrying funds for government agencies.
- Assists in building evacuations and other safety precautions including tornado warnings and disaster drills.
- Assists supervisors to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans and ensure training requirements of Capitol Complex officers are maintained.
After a minimum period of service as a trooper has been completed, the following assignments are available:
Community Services Officer (Minimum 3 years)
- Presents safety programs as assigned.
- Promotes and presents programs for civic, fraternal, and business organizations.
- Creates and maintains safety displays at conferences, training, etc.
- Participates in recruitment activities to effectively market the Department of Public Safety and employment opportunities within the department.
Trooper Pilot
- See job class description
Vehicle Theft Officer
- Conducts special investigations into vehicle thefts.
- Inspects recovered stolen vehicles for fingerprints, collects other evidence.
Technical Investigator/Accident Reconstructionist
- Initiates critical accident scene measurements.
- Prepares accident situation maps and determines speed calculations.
- Prepares reports and documents evidence for use as expert testimony.
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.
