Houston, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and has a population of over 2.3 million people.1 Houston has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to the US overall, but a lower-than-average crime rate for a city of its size.2 The Houston Police Department (HPD) employs more than 5,400 sworn officers and 892 civilian personnel, making it one of the largest municipal police agencies in the United States.3 Candidates interested in joining HPD will find information on the requirements, application process, and training below.

Houston Police Officer Requirements

To be considered for a position as an HPD officer, candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 20.5 years old at time of application; must be 21 prior to academy graduation
  • Be a US citizen (born or naturalized), or an honorably discharged legal permanent resident as authorized by Texas Senate Bill 252 (effective September 1, 2023)
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance
  • Meet one of the following four qualification pathways: (1) at least 48 semester credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA from an accredited college or university; (2) a minimum of 18 months active duty in the US Armed Forces with an honorable discharge; (3) at least 3 years of full-time employment as a peace officer; or (4) at least 36 months of full-time employment in any field within the last 48 months
  • Have no Class A misdemeanor or felony conviction or court-ordered supervision or probation; have no Class B misdemeanor conviction or court-ordered supervision within the past 10 years
  • Have no visible tattoos on the hand, neck, or above the neck, and no body art such as gauges or facial piercings

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements above will advance to Phase Two testing, which includes a Physical Agility Test (PAT) consisting of a 500-meter row and a one-mile run; a weapon compatibility check; and the Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test (NDRC). Candidates who pass Phase Two testing advance to a background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical examination.

For more details, see 10 Steps to Becoming a Police Officer on our homepage. To apply, visit the HPD career page.

Houston Police Training Academy

Applicants who successfully complete the hiring process are enrolled in the Houston Police Department Training Academy. The six-month program is paid and non-residential, blending classroom coursework with physical conditioning and practical skills training. Cadets are expected to commute to the facility each weekday; outside employment and concurrent enrollment in other educational programs are not allowed during training.

Graduates receive a $1,000 stipend toward the purchase of a duty weapon and equipment before beginning a six-month probationary period. During this time, new officers are placed in the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program for roughly 12 to 16 weeks, with an initial assignment to patrol duties.

Salary, Benefits, and Jobs Outlook

HPD publishes the following base salary scale for sworn personnel:3

PositionAnnual Base Salary
Cadet/Probationary Officer$52,000
First Year Officer$78,452
Police Officer (2+ Years)$80,004 – $121,184
Senior Police Officer (12+ Years)$103,323 – $139,946

Officers are eligible for annual education incentive pay: $3,640 for a bachelor’s degree, $6,240 for a master’s degree, and $8,840 for a doctorate.3 Additional incentive pay includes a $2,002 annual equipment allowance, shift differential pay, and bilingual pay, among other specialty pays based on assignment and years of service.

Officers receive comprehensive medical and dental benefit options for themselves and their families, along with life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage. Paid leave includes 20 days of paid time off annually (increasing to up to 40 days with seniority), 15 personal days, and 11 paid holidays. Officers participate in the city’s defined benefit pension–annuity plan with early retirement options. Tuition reimbursement is available, and HPD is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.3

Texas employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 5,460 new positions added each year on average, according to Projections Central.4 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan area was $74,810 in May 2024.5 Find open Houston police officer listings on our jobs board.

Career Advancement at HPD

All HPD officers begin their careers in patrol. After an initial three-year period, officers are eligible to apply for transfer to one of HPD’s more than 45 divisions, which include Homicide, Narcotics, Gangs, Cyber and Financial Crimes, Tactical Operations, K-9, Air and Marine, Traffic Enforcement, and Mental Health, among others.

Promotion to sergeant requires five years of service from the hire date as a cadet; sergeants earn a base salary of $114,645 to $159,928 per year.3 Promotion to lieutenant requires two years as a sergeant plus an associate’s degree or at least 65 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree; lieutenants earn $129,298 to $177,874 per year.3 Promotion to captain requires two years as a lieutenant and a bachelor’s degree; captains earn $148,100 to $208,363 per year.3 Promotion to each of these ranks requires passing a written examination and an assessment center. The ranks of assistant chief and executive assistant chief are appointed by the chief of police and require a master’s degree.

Cities and Police Departments Near Houston

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 15,910 police and sheriff’s patrol officers are employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan area.5 Law enforcement professionals in the region can also find opportunities with the Baytown Police Department, the Conroe Police Department, the Galveston Police Department, the Pasadena Police Department, and the Sugar Land Police Department. For more information about police departments across the state, see our Texas page.

Additional Resources

Houston Police Department Contact

References:
1. US Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 Population Estimates, Houston, TX: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/houstoncitytexas/PST045224
2. US News & World Report, Best Places to Live, Houston, TX: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/texas/houston
3. Houston Police Department Recruiting: https://www.hpdcareer.com/
4. Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections, Texas, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wages, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0026420