The Benton County Sheriff's Office is currently hiring!
The Benton County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting entry level applications. All entry level applicants must apply by registering through Public Safety Testing.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Bureau is made of the Patrol Division, the Detective Division, and the Records Division. There are 72 commissioned deputy positions within the Law Enforcement Bureau. All new deputies will begin their career in the Patrol Division assigned to one of four patrol squads. Each patrol squad consists of a sergeant, a corporal, and five deputies. Deputies work 12 hours shifts and rotate from days to nights every eight weeks with their squad. The Patrol Division is responsible for 24-hour coverage of all areas within Benton County jurisdiction.
Entry Level Applicants MUST:
- Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent residence
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a valid driver License
- Be a high school graduate/GED
- Have the ability to read and speak the English language
- Benton County Sheriff's Office Recruitment Standards
- Vision Requirement: Must be able to meet the minimum standards for Membership in LEOFF retirement system. (Refer to WAC 415-104-510 and WAC 415-104-595
To Apply –
- All entry level candidates must apply with Public Safety Testing
- Written and physical fitness tests conducted by Public Safety Testing. (See Public Safety Testing website for test dates and standards.)
- Certification of eligibility list
- Background investigation
- Command Interview
- Polygraph, psychological, and medical examination
- Upon successful completion of the hiring process, the candidate will be provided a start date.
Questions? Let Us Help.
Recruiters:
- Email: recruiters@co.benton.wa.us
- Phone: (509) 735-6555
Salary & Benefits
| Deputy Sheriff | Months | Hourly |
| Step 1 | 60 | $52.17 |
| Step 2 | 48 | $49.68 |
| Step 3 | 36 | $47.32 |
| Step 4 | 24 | $45.07 |
| Step 5B | 12 | $42.92 |
| Step 5A | 0 | $40.88 |
Salary amounts as of January 1, 2025
Medical/Dental/Vision - Employer Monthly Contribution $1,120.40
Plans provided by United Employee Benefit Trust & Group Health Options
Vacation Accrual
| Years of Service | Hours Per Pay Period |
|---|---|
| 1–5 | 4.75 |
| 6–10 | 5.75 |
| 11–15 | 7.00 |
| 16–19 | 7.75 |
| 20+ | 8.50 |
(Up to 15 yrs 240 hrs / 15 plus yrs up to 280 hrs
November vacation cash out option)
Sick Leave Accrual
Employees earn 3.75 hours per pay period (accrue up to 1,040 hrs)
Retirement
Some additional Benefits
2.0% matching employee contribution and 1.0% employer contribution to Benton County- deferred compensation 457 plan (as of January 2021)
- Take Home Patrol Car
- Equipment - (uniforms and equipment)
- Specialty Pay
- Longevity Pay - 2% up to 6%
- Education Incentive - BA Degree 4%, AA Degree 2%
- 12 Paid Holidays (deferred holiday pay option)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Bi-lingual Incentive
- Long-term and Short-term Disability
- FOP Legal Defense: Criminal and Civil
- Member of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- Dry Cleaning Services
- Off Duty/Extra-Duty Opportunities
Career Paths
Specialty Positions
- Detective
- School Resource Officer
- Traffic/Motors
- US Marshal Task Force
- FBI Violent Crimes Task Force
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- METRO Drug Task Force
- Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
- Marine Patrol
- K9 Team
- Civil Deputy
- Court Team
- Tri City Regional SWAT Team
- Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant
Community Information
Benton County is located in Southeastern Washington within a confluence of Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers where there is over 300 days of sunshine. We are a mix of urban and rural community with a population of 210,025 and cover an area of 1,722 square miles. The great weather and water make Benton County a great place for water recreation, golf, and hiking, to name a few. Agriculture, over 160 wineries, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and numerous food-processing plants are just some of the industries that drive our economy.
