Police Officer - Entry Level

Salem Police Department Core Values

Collaboration | Honor | Integrity | Compassion.

• Step 1:
  Hourly $39.11, Monthly $6,779.07.
• Step 2:
  Hourly $41.07, Monthly $7,118.80.
• Step 3:
  Hourly $43.12, Monthly $7,474.13.
• Step 4:
  Hourly $45.28, Monthly $7,848.53.
• Step 5:
  Hourly $47.54, Monthly $8,240.27.
• Step 6:
  Hourly $49.92, Monthly $8,652.80.
• Longevity Rate:
  Monthly $8,912.80.

2% – 10%.

2.5% – 5%.

5%.

Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family;
Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%; paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies; opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account; health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; voluntary long‑term care; employee wellness program; employee assistance program; employee health clinic; free, secure parking; department gym available for employee use.

• Be at least 21 years old at date of hire.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or be able to become one within 18 months of hire.
• Participate in competitive testing including physical fitness testing, reading comprehension, writing skills, and psychological examinations; pass strict Police Department background investigation.
• Pass pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana).
• Pass pre‑employment background check.
• Meet Oregon’s minimum standards for law enforcement officers; see OAR 259‑008 for background disqualifiers.
• Work periodic overtime and a variety of 24‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Graduate from high school or have completed a G.E.D.
• Provide detailed information in the application that includes experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and class specification.

• Complete departmental recruit training course; gain eligibility for Basic Certificate issued by Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
• Hold a valid Oregon driver’s license or out‑of‑state equivalent; pass driving records check and maintain a driving record that meets City’s standard. Oregon law requires out‑of‑state license holders to obtain a valid Oregon license within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state.

• OAR 259‑008.
• No felony convictions.
• No convictions for crimes involving domestic violence.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of military service.
• No more than three traffic (moving) convictions in the last three years.

Applicants must submit a completed application and provide valid test results for NTN Frontline National Test (NTN) and Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) or an out‑of‑state PAT equivalent by August 23, 2026 to be considered.

• 70% in Writing.
• 70% in Reading.
• 65% in Video/Media.

Applicants must complete the ORPAT in 6:30 or less to pass. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) requires a time of 5:30 or less for graduation.

Out‑of‑State Applicants may submit a valid PAT test from another state or the military, provided it is less than 12 months old from the job announcement closing date.

Hired applicants are eligible for a $100 reimbursement for NTN and ORPAT testing costs.

The Salem Police Department is the 4th largest agency in the State of Oregon. We are a full‑service department with many special teams. Our new facility is a 104,000 square‑foot building with an indoor/outdoor breakroom and a workout room/locker room.

The City of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon, with a population of over 180,000. Located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is the state capital and is centrally located: 47 miles south of Portland, one hour to the Cascade Mountains east and one hour to ocean beaches west.

Salem has eight primary departments:
Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development.

Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Police Officer…