What Does it Take to Be a Texas State Trooper?

If you've ever sat at home and thought to yourself, "self, I think I want to keep the streets of Texas safe while wearing a wicked-cool cowboy hat", then have I got just the story for you!

According to the Texas DPS website, there are a list of requirements and application processes one must endure before donning the trooper hat.

How to Start Super Troopin'

First off, there are a few requirements you must pass before getting into it:

• Must be at least 21 years old (there is no age limit, however...)
• Must have at least 60 college credits from a college or university
  • Serving in law enforcement or the military can serve as course credit substitutes

Some physical requirements may seem a bit severe, but necessary:

• Must retain accurate distant vision without a need for glasses
• For women aged 20 to 24, they must run a minimum of 1.5 miles in 15 min 5 sec, for men of the same age it's 1.5 miles within 11 min 33 sec 
  • The full list can be found on the Texas DPS website for women and also for men
• A 500-meter row must also be passed within the specified time for both men and women

Also, for those who want to find a good exercise program, how about the recommended physical fitness preparation for Texas State Troopers?

How Much do Texas Troopers Get Paid?

The first rank of troopers are trainees who receive a salary of just over $51,000 plus a $5,000 graduation bonus (why can't this be normal in all universities?...). After a year-long probation period, annual salaries increase to $65,000.

Get this, after 20 years of service, you are eligible for a $98,000 salary and $135,000 with overtime.

Stipends are also given to those with Associate's degrees ($50/month), Bachelor's ($100/month) and Master's ($150/month). Bilingual troopers also receive a $50 additional stipend each month.

Lastly, the state requires all applicants to "be of good moral character and habits", so do you think you'd have what it takes to be a Texas State Trooper?