Police Officer
With more specialty and advancement opportunities than any department in the state, there’s a role at the Seattle Police Department that is bound to interest you. All of this is set in a city surrounded by mountains, water, great schools, and a focus on building community.
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Let your profession be your passion
Exploring the possibilities of what this career can provide can open doors you never expected. Dedicating a life to your family and justice can be rewarding. See how you can protect the vulnerable in your community while providing for the people close to you.
Police Officer
We are looking to create a diverse team. These individuals are hardworking and committed, and they have a passion for public service. They are deeply aligned with our City’s values of race and social justice.
Entry-Level Officer Salary
Entry-Level Officer
Salary
| STEP | MONTHLY | ANNUAL |
| Recruit | $6639.84 | Pay only during Academy |
Once you graduate from the Academy, the salary schedule is as follows:
Sworn Police
Salary Scale
| STEP | MONTHLY | ANNUAL |
| STEP 1 (Sworn Ofc.) | $9,816 | $117,792 |
| STEP 2 (6 Months) | $10,528 | $126,336 |
| STEP 3 (18 Months) | $11,006 | $132,072 |
| STEP 4 (30 Months) | $11,427 | $137,124 |
| STEP 5 (42 Months) | $12,002 | $144,024 |
| STEP 6 (54 Months) | $12,854 | $154,248 |
- Overtime and compensatory time is paid at time and 1/2, with a 3-hour minimum for court and off-duty call-outs.
Lateral Officer Salary
- Pay for Lateral Officers range between STEP 3 and 5, depending on experience.
- Laterals will attain STEP 6 after the successful completion of STEP 5.
- Overtime and compensatory time is paid at time and 1/2, with a 3-hour minimum for court and off-duty call-outs.
| STEP | MONTHLY | ANNUAL |
STEP 3 (24-41 Mos Experience) | $11,006 | $132,072 |
STEP 4 (42-53 Mos Experience) | $11,427 | $137,124 |
STEP 5 (54+ Mos Experience) | $12,002 | $144,024 |
Incentive Pay
- 1.5% incentive pay for an associate’s degree
- 1.5% incentive pay for speaking a second language
- 2% Body worn video pay effective after 1-year probationary period
- 4% incentive pay for a 4-year degree
Longevity Pay Schedule
(Years in service with SPD)
| Patrol Longevity | Non-Patrol Longevity |
| 7 Years – 2% | 7 Years – 2% |
| 10 Years – 6% | 10 Years – 4% |
| 15 Years – 11% | 15 Years – 6% |
| 20 Years – 12% | 20 Years – 8% |
| 25 Years – 14% | 25 Years – 10% |
| 30 Years – 16% | 30 Years – 12% |
Hiring Incentives
Entry-Level – $7,500 Hiring Incentive and up to $5000 in reimbursable moving expenses if moving more than 50 miles
Lateral – $50,000 Hiring Incentive and up to $7500 in reimbursable moving expenses if moving more than 50 miles
- For new hires, the 1st half of the incentive is paid upon graduation from the Academy. 2nd half is paid upon completion of probation (1 year).
- For laterals, the 1st half is paid on your first paycheck or if you are an out-of-state lateral, then upon completion of the 2-week Equivalency Academy. 2nd half is paid upon completion of probation.
Vacation and Benefits
- 10 Paid Holidays, plus 16 additional hours of holiday time
- Generous Maternity and Paternity leave
- 12 Days paid Vacation per year to start. Accrual increases with Longevity.
- 12 Days paid Sick Leave
- 21 Days of paid Military Leave
- Enrollment in Washington State LEOFF2 Retirement
- Deferred Compensation Plan (Optional)
(City Matches up to 4% per year) - Premium and Incentive pay depending on assignment
Medical
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Benefits start within 30 days of being hired.
- Costs less than $50 a month for employee and less than $100 a month for spouse and dependents.
- $5 co-pays for most services.
Providers
- Retirement:LEOFF2 RETIREMENT
- Medical: AETNA | KAISER PERMANENTE
- Dental: DELTA DENTAL
- Vision: VSP
- Relief Association: SPRA
Hiring Process
Before applying, make sure you meet the qualifications for the position. All police officer candidates must be at least 20.5 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, be generally physically fit, and hold United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the U.S., OR be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, and be able to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License after hire.
All candidates must submit a job application to the City of Seattle. Be sure to submit the correct application. Click here to apply for entry-level and lateral positions. Note that exceptional-entry candidates should complete the entry-level application.
All candidates must complete a written exam, administered virtually or in person through the National Testing Network (NTN). The test includes the Frontline National Law Enforcement Exam and the Public Safety Self-Assessment. Register here to take the written test. Be sure to sign up for the Seattle Police Department entry-level or lateral exam, as appropriate. The PHQ and NTN application are not required.
Only entry-level candidates must complete the Washington Physical Agility Test (WAPAT). Experienced law enforcement officers applying as lateral or exceptional-entry candidates do not need to take the physical test.
The Physical Agility Test consists of the following 3 exercises:
- 20 push-ups in 90 seconds
- 25 sit-ups in 90 seconds
- 35 squat thrusts in 3 min
Once candidates have successfully completed the testing process, SPD will send them a link to an online personal history information questionnaire. The SPD background unit will then conduct a thorough background investigation. The background investigation typically takes 2–3 months.
Candidates who pass the background check will need to complete a medical exam, a psychological exam, and a polygraph test.
- For out-of-state applicants:
The polygraph and medical exams will be scheduled during a visit to Seattle, and the psychological exam is scheduled virtually.
The most competitive candidates may receive an offer of employment after completing and passing all the steps above, depending on the candidate’s scores, results, and application.
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TRAINED TO LEAD
Seattle’s elite training unit is fast-paced, highly respected, and built to push limits, preparing every officer with the skills, mindset, and confidence to succeed from day one.
Wellness
The Seattle Police Department supports officer wellness through a variety of programs and resources designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical health. Officers have access to dedicated wellness rooms, a Peer Support team, and services focused on mental and emotional well-being. In addition, SPD offers activities such as yoga classes and other wellness initiatives that encourage balance, resilience, and overall health, both on and off duty.
- A specific unit dedicated to employee health and wellness
- Spiritual support
- Mental and emotional support
- Physical fitness resources and programs
- And More
Full Wellness Benefits List
- A dedicated Employee Support Services Unit led by a clinical psychologist
- Wellness rooms accessible 24/7
- Designated lactation spaces
- Peer Support Team and opportunities for training
- Free mental health services through local licensed therapists that exclusively serve first responders
- Tactical Athlete Program connecting employees to proper exercise and nutritionist services
- On site yoga classes and access to online yoga program
- Chaplain services
- Alcohol and substance abuse prevention program
- Financial planning resources and programs
- Numerous leave programs, including:
- Family and Medical Leave
- Paid Family Care Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pregnancy Disability Leave
- Part-time work options
- Daycare Flex Spending Account
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YOUR JOURNEY CONTINUES
Three individuals left successful careers behind to pursue a new path in law enforcement, proving it’s never too late to start over and build a meaningful future with Seattle PD.
Opportunities
We have more specialty units than any other department in the state. Some of our follow-up units include Traffic, Harbor, Major Crimes, Crisis Response, SWAT, Arson and Bombs, K9, Collaborative (Community) Policing, Forensics, Training, and the Relational Policing Unit.
- Traffic
- Harbor
- Major Crimes
- Crisis Response
- SWAT
- Arson & Bomb
- K9
- Collaborative Policing
- Forensics
- relational policing unit