Salary & Benefits

The Maryland Department of the State Police (MDSP) offers competitive employer benefits. Troopers receive a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, excellent health insurance, and robust retirement plans. They also enjoy paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days, as well as various other perks.  

Salary 

The Maryland State Police offers a comprehensive compensation package:

• Current Trooper Starting Salary: $69,360​ (upon graduation)
  ​While in the academy, trooper candidates earn $59,346. Upon successful completion of the academy, the salary increases to $69,360​​, which does not include shift differential, uniform allowance, overtime, and other incentives.
• Annual salary increases: Upon your hiring date anniversary, you will receive an increase in your salary. All steps must be funded annually by the State Legislature and are not guaranteed.
• Prior law enforcement credit: up to 9 years of ac​credited service from another law enforcement agency recognized. The starting pay will be based on the number of years credited before becoming a Trooper Candidate, with a starting pay of up to $97,175.
• Promotion without competition
  • Trooper First Class: after 3 years of service
  • Senior Trooper: after 10 years of service
  • Master Trooper: after 15 years of service

Health benefits

• ​Medical, including Vision Coverage​
• Dental
• Prescription Coverage
• Term Life Insurance Plans
• Accidental Death Coverage
• Behavioral Health Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement benefits

Troopers must retire at the age of 60. Troopers participate in a liberal pension program that permits voluntary retirement after 25 years of creditable service or at the age of 50.

• 401(k) and 457b membership plans.
• State Police Retirement Plan at a rate of 2.55% per year with yearly increases up to year 28 at a max of 71.4%.
• Retirement Credit up to five years for non-retired military personnel.
• Troopers have the option to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) if they have at least 25 years of service but less than 32 years of creditable service.

Leave benefits

• 10 to 25 Days per year of vacation leave
• 6 Days per year of personal leave pro-rated based on hire date for the first year
• At least 12 paid Holidays per year
• 15 sick leave days per year
• Employees may use vacation leave after 6 months of employment
• Family & Medical Leave - twelve weeks per year available for all Troopers to care for a child or family member.
• Military Leave - up to 30 days per year for members of the Armed Forces Reserves or National Guard.

Additional benefits

• Blood Assurance Program - several blood drives are conducted each year to benefit MSP employees and their families.
• Death Benefits - consisting of your retirement contributions (plus interest) and a percentage of your final salary, will be paid to your beneficiaries in the event of a line-of-duty death. The exact amounts vary with your years of service.
• An Associate Degree can be earned from the Police Academy at no cost to the employee.
• State Troopers are assigned an agency take-home vehicle (privilege subject to department policy).
• Financial incentives for bilingual skills, fitness achievements, and college degrees, provided conditions are met.
• All uniforms and equipment are provided by the Department (if applicable).