The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 7 Shocking Facts About NYC Court Officer Jobs (Salary, Exam Dates, And Career Path)
Are you ready to trade your current job for a secure, high-paying, and prestigious career in law enforcement? As of today, December 24, 2025, the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is actively recruiting, and the details for the next cycle of the Court Officer-Trainee position are more competitive and lucrative than ever. This role is not just about courtroom security; it’s a demanding, full-fledged peace officer position that requires passing a rigorous written exam, a comprehensive background check, and an intense Physical Ability Test (PAT).
The path to becoming a New York City Court Officer is complex, but the rewards—including a competitive starting salary, a clear promotional ladder, and exceptional benefits—make it one of the most sought-after civil service jobs in the state. If you missed the filing window for the upcoming exam, understanding the 2025 structure is crucial for preparing for the next opportunity.
NYC Court Officer Trainee: The Complete 2025 Profile and Job Overview
The New York State Court Officer-Trainee position is the entry-level gateway to a long and distinguished career within the court system. Court Officers are sworn peace officers under the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) and are essential for maintaining the safety, order, and security of all court facilities, personnel, and the public in all five boroughs of New York City and beyond.
The Core Mission of a Court Officer
- Law Enforcement and Security: Providing comprehensive security services, including screening individuals entering courthouses and patrolling court facilities.
- Maintaining Order: Ensuring decorum and order inside courtrooms during proceedings.
- Peace Officer Authority: Possessing the authority to make arrests and issue summonses on court property.
- Emergency Response: Responding to all emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, and security threats.
Key Career Profile Details (Judicial Grade 16)
The Court Officer-Trainee enters the academy at Judicial Grade (JG) 16. This is the starting point for all new recruits.
- Starting Salary (Effective April 1, 2025): $58,100
- NYC Location Pay: An additional $4,920 is provided for those working in New York City.
- Total Starting Compensation (NYC): Approximately $63,020.
- Minimum Age Requirement: 20.5 years old at the time of appointment.
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Residency/Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen and a New York State resident.
- License: Must possess a valid New York State Driver's License.
The 2025 Path to Becoming a NYC Court Officer: Exam and Physical Standards
The hiring process is a multi-stage gauntlet designed to filter for only the most qualified candidates. Success hinges on excelling in both the written examination and the Physical Ability Test (PAT).
1. The Written Examination (Exam No. 45-834)
The written test is the first and most critical hurdle. It is a multiple-choice examination designed to assess skills vital to the role of a peace officer.
- 2025 Exam Dates: The testing window for the most recent cycle was Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to Friday, October 31, 2025.
- Test Content: The two-hour exam typically covers areas such as:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Court Officer Duties and Responsibilities
- Situational Judgment (Assessing appropriate responses to on-the-job scenarios)
- Filing Status: The application filing period for the 2025 exam is currently closed. Candidates must wait for the announcement of the next open competitive exam.
2. The Rigorous Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Candidates who pass the written exam are placed on an eligible list and must then pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT). This battery of four tests measures the strength, endurance, agility, and cardiovascular capacity required for the physical demands of the job.
The Four Components of the PAT:
- Push-Ups: Measures muscular strength and endurance.
- Illinois Agility Run: A timed course measuring agility and coordination.
- Sit-Ups: Measures abdominal strength and endurance.
- The Beep Test (Multi-Stage Fitness Test): A shuttle run that measures cardiovascular capacity. Candidates run between two markers (20 meters apart) following audio cues, with the pace increasing progressively.
Candidates must achieve a total score of 20 points across all four components to pass the PAT.
The Lucrative Career Progression and Benefits of the UCS
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a career as a Court Officer is the clear, defined, and well-compensated career progression within the New York State Unified Court System.
Promotional Ranks and Salary Potential (2025 Figures)
The career path moves through several Judicial Grades (JG), with each promotion bringing a significant salary increase and greater responsibility.
- Court Officer-Trainee (JG-16): The entry-level position, with a starting salary of $58,100 (plus $4,920 NYC location pay).
- Court Officer (JG-19): The first promotion, typically achieved after completing the trainee phase and academy. The starting salary for JG-19 is $68,593 (effective April 1, 2025).
- Court Officer - Lieutenant (JG-22): A supervisory rank. The starting salary for a Lieutenant is $80,247 (effective April 1, 2025).
- Higher Ranks: Further progression is possible to Captain and other administrative security roles within the UCS.
Exceptional Benefits Package
Beyond the salary, the benefits package offered by the New York State Unified Court System is highly competitive, contributing significantly to the overall compensation of a Court Officer.
- Paid Vacation: New hires receive twenty (20) paid vacation days in their first year. This increases to twenty-seven (27) paid days after seven years of service.
- Sick Leave: Generous sick leave accumulation.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Retirement: Enrollment in a defined-benefit pension plan through the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System.
- Uniform Allowance: An annual allowance for uniform and equipment maintenance.
The role of a NYC Court Officer is a demanding but deeply rewarding civil service career. With the 2025 salary figures and career progression clearly defined, the opportunity provides a stable, professional, and financially secure future for those who can meet the high standards of the written exam and the Physical Ability Test. Prospective candidates should use the current information to begin preparing immediately for the next announced exam cycle.
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