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Maryland Department of State Police

Salary & Benefits

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The Maryland Department of the State Police (MDSP) offers competitive employer benefits. State 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:

  • Annual salary increases for 18 years: Pay increases annually for 18 years (subject to state funding)
  • 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 ac​credited years prior to becoming a Trooper Candidate, with a starting pay 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

  • 401k and 457b membership plans
  • State Law Enforcement Retirement vested after 10 years; 2% per year at age 50 or 25 years of service, to a maximum of 71.4% at 28 years.
  • Retirement Credit up to five years for non-retired military personnel.

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