The Salem Police Department is a professional, full-service organization ready to welcome entry-level and certified police officer candidates who want to grow their careers. We hire only applicants who meet the highest standards. Bilingual skills are a plus.

For more information, contact a recruiter at 503-588-6212.

Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old by the time of appointment as police officer. If you are within six months of turnign 21, you are encouraged to apply.
• Be a high school graduate, or have attained a GED certificate
• Candidates who are not U.S. citizens must be able to attain citizenship status within 18 months of hire
• Pass the National Training Network written examination
• Complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (also known as the ORPAT) in six minutes and 30 seconds or less
• Show excellent moral character and having made good life choices, as determined by thorough background investigation
• Have a valid driver license
• Meet all physical, vision, hearing, and psychological examination requirements
• Successfully complete an oral interview
• Be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

Salem police officers receive excellent pay and benefits, which include:

• $37.61 - $49.44 an hour
• All uniforms, weapon, and safety equipment supplied by the City of Salem
• City-paid insurance:
  • Dental with dependents included
  • Medical with dependents included after the employee pays $55 per paycheck
  • Vision with dependents included
• City-paid health savings account
• City-paid life and disability insurance
• City-paid retirement fund under the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System
• On-site exercise facility

Additional benefits available include:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee-paid, pre-tax medical flexible spending account
• Employee-paid Salem Police Association membership
• Employee-paid union membership
• Limited tuition reimbursement program
• Optional employee-paid deferred compensation program

Additional pay incentives available for the following:

• College education 
• Other language skills

Additional information

The Salem Police Department hiring process

Learn more about the Salem Police Department

Check out our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan to see how we are improving the way we serve our community and how you can help shape the future of our organization.