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Pay and Benefits

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Cadets currently start at $6,100 per month while attending the Colorado State Patrol Training Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy and successful completion of the Field Training Program, Cadets then gain the title of "Trooper" and their salary is increased to $7,569 per month - this reflects the most current pay rate raise in 2023.

Troopers receive $100 per month uniform allowance in addition to the salary information above.

NOTE: Colorado uses a minimum to maximum pay scale. All Cadets will begin at the same starting salary, regardless of previous experience or life history.

Disability Retirement

As a State Trooper, you are eligible to apply for disability retirement benefits immediately if your disability is sustained during the performance of your duties. The maximum benefit is 50% of your HAS, unless you have more than 20 years of actual service, in which case you will receive an additional 2.5% for each year over 20. For more information please visit https://www.copera.org/disability-benefits.

Retirement Benefits

You qualify for a service or reduced service retirement benefit when you meet the age and service credit requirements.  Your hire date also is considered regarding Retirement Eligibility.  For more information about this, go to www.copera.org or attend a PERA webinar: https://www.copera.org/webinars.

Survivor Benefits

As a PERA member, you have access to PERA’s survivor benefit program, which provides income to your survivors when you die. Your qualified survivors could receive either an ongoing monthly benefit or a one-time lump sum payment.

Survivor benefits are available to qualifying members of the PERA Defined Benefit (DB) Plan at no additional cost. Find more information at https://www.copera.org/survivor-benefits.

Veterans’ Preference

Veterans' preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for government employment, and acknowledges the larger obligation owed to disabled veterans. Therefore, the US Congress and the Colorado Constitution have authorized the awarding of preference to certain veterans. Your DD214 Form is required as part of the application process. For more information regarding Veterans Preference you may contact the agency's Human Resources Analyst: Michelle Chancey at michelle.chancey@state.co.us.

Colorado State Trooper Uniforms Are Provided

All sworn officer uniforms are provided by the patrol. This includes: vest, sidearm, boots, pants, shirt, and hat. The standard issue includes winter and summer uniform items. As items are turned in from normal wear and tear they are replaced at no cost to our members.

The following benefits are provided by the State of Colorado:

  • Health Insurance - A variety of health insurance plans are available to state employees and their families. The cost of each plan depends on the services provided.
  • Life Insurance - A life insurance policy is provided to each employee at no cost to the employee.
  • Dental Insurance - A dental insurance plan is available to state employees and their families.
  • Annual Leave/Sick Leave - Annual leave and Sick leave are accrued each month, the amount of leave increases with the length of service.
  • Paid Holidays - State of Colorado employees receive approximately ten paid holidays each year.
  • Retirement - Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to our troopers.

For more information about Colorado Department of Public Safety, State of Colorado Benefits contact:
Rhonda Johnson
303-273-5761
rhonda.johnson@state.co.us