OFFICER SALARIES

UPD Police Officers are compensated generously for their service and commitment, with clear advancement steps and pay increases based on tenure and rank.

Salary is based on 2080 hours per year and 26 pay periods. The current starting pay is $63,000 per year ($30.88 per hour). 

Applicants may be eligible to start at a higher rate with experience up to step 6. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Texas State University Police Department has adopted a new Step Pay Plan. Each Step represents a year of service at the Texas State University Police Department.

Step Pay Plan

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*Salaries do not include overtime or incentive pay.

LATERAL OFFICER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

  • Be a certified Texas Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
  • Must meet TCOLE lateral experience requirements.

The Chief of Police shall determine eligibility for lateral entry of police applicants. Based on the applicant's experience, the Chief will submit a starting Step recommendation to HR for approval, up to Step 6 of the Step Plan.

 

OUT-OF-STATE CERTIFED OFFICER ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

  • Must meet TCOLE experience requirements.
  • Must be a certified or licensed peace officer from another U.S. state and successfully obtain the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License within 90 days of hire.

The Chief of Police shall determine eligibility for out-of-state police applicants. Based on the applicant's experience, the Chief will submit a starting Step recommendation to HR for approval, up to Step 6 of the Step Plan.
 

CADET / RECRUIT PATH (NON-CERTIFIED) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

  • Must meet TCOLE requirements. 
  • Must be eligible to attend and graduate from a TCOLE-approved Basic Pease Officer Course (BPOC).

While attending the police academy and completing your TCOLE training, you'll be paid at the Entry-Level Officer salary.

After graduating and being commissioned as a Police Officer, your salary will automatically increase to Step Level 2 on the department's pay scale on the one-year anniversary of your original hire date.

Hughey overlooking Sewell

Protecting the Heart of Campus

Patrol the beautiful TXST campus, including Sewell Park and the San Marcos River.

BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES

Texas State University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for eligible employees. These benefits cover health, retirement, education support, paid time off, and wellness.

For more details on benefits please visit TXST Office of Human Resources.

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  • Medical: Blue Cross Blue Shield - NO COST for employees.

    • Texas State Covers 50% of the premium for dependent health coverage.
    • No Waiting Period. Coverage for most benefits begins on day one.
    • Voluntary plans available: Dental, Vision, and supplemental life insurance.
    • $5,000 basic life and AD&D policy provided.

  • Teacher Retirement System (TRS): Vested after only 5 years of service.

    • Easily combine prior Texas public service for retirement credit.
    • Voluntary supplemental retirement savings plans.
    • Retiree health insurance benefits are available.
    • All eligible employees at Texas public institutions of higher education are automatically enrolled in TRS on their first day of employment.

    • 50% off undergraduate tuition for dependents.
    • Academic Release and Tuition Support for employees. 
    • Incentive pay for high education levels and professional certifications.
    • In-house and external continuing education for TCOLE license maintenance.
    • Veteran's Benefit: Max 150 hours Hazlewood Exemption eligibility. 

    • Access to Dining Halls with discounted meals.
    • Discounted Campus Recreation memberships.
    • Discounted tickets to campus athletic and cultural events.
    • Overtime opportunities available for campus events.
    • Department-provided annual uniform and equipment allowance.

    • WellCat (EAP): Free confidential employee assistance program.
    • Specialized Peer Support Team for critical incident stress management.
    • Access to on-site fitness facilities and dedicated workout time on duty.
    • Access to private nursing rooms and lactation support.
    • Hazardous Duty Pay: $10 per month for each year of service.

Ready to Serve the Bobcat Community?

Our team is dedicated to professional development, community policing, and maintaining a healthy, enriched educational environment. 

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.