Police Officer - Entry Level

Salem Police Department Core Values: Collaboration | Honor | Integrity | Compassion

About Us

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 amenities for employees, including an indoor/outdoor breakroom and a work-out room/locker room.

The City of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon, serving a population of over 180,000. Located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is the state capital and is centrally positioned 47 miles south of Portland, an hour from the Cascade Mountains, and an hour from the ocean beaches. Salem offers a mix of new and historic neighborhoods, a full-service municipal government, and a diverse community.

Pay

Salary Step Hourly Rate Monthly Rate Step 1 $39.11 $6,779.07 Step 2 $41.07 $7,118.80 Step 3 $43.12 $7,474.13 Step 4 $45.28 $7,848.53 Step 5 $47.54 $8,240.27 Step 6 $49.92 $8,652.80 Longevity Rate $51.42 $8,912.80

Additional incentives include:

• Certifications, Training, & College Incentives: 2% - 10%
• Extra Duty/Specialized Assignment Incentive: 2.5% - 5%
• Bi-Lingual Incentive: 5%

Benefits

• 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 457b 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

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old at date of hire
• Be a U.S. Citizen or have the ability to become one within 18 months of hire
• Participate in competitive testing including physical fitness testing, reading comprehension, writing skills, written, physical/vision, hearing and psychological examinations, and pass a strict Police Department background investigation
• Pass the pre-employment drug test (including marijuana)
• Pass the pre-employment background check
• Meet Oregon's minimum standards to work as a law enforcement officer (OAR 259-008)
• Ability to work periodic overtime and a variety of 24-hour rotating shifts including holidays and weekends
• High School graduate or have completed a G.E.D.
• Ability to complete departmental recruit training course and gain eligibility for Basic Certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
• A valid Oregon driver's license, or out-of-state equivalent, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard

Disqualifiers

• Felony convictions
• Convictions for crimes involving domestic violence
• Dishonorable discharge from any branch of military service
• More than three (3) traffic (moving) convictions in the last three (3) years

For more information, see OAR 259-008.

Hiring Process

Applicants must submit a completed application and provide valid test results for NTN Frontline National Test (NTN) and Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) or out-of-state PAT equivalent by November 9, 2026, to be considered.

NTN & ORPAT/PAT Requirements

• 70% in Writing
• 70% in Reading
• 65% in Video/Media
• ORPAT must be completed in 6:30 or less to pass (DPSST requires 5:30 or less for graduation)

Out-of-State Applicants: If you have a valid PAT test from another state or the military, you may submit your score with your application, 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.

For practice tests, visit NTN’s job listing or ORPAT preparation tips. For test scheduling, visit ORPAT scheduling.