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Entry Level K9 Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Tigard

Entry Level Police Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ... An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once ...

City of Tigard, OR

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

... Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ...

City of Glendale, CA

Police Officer Recruit

Glendale, CA · On-site

$8.3K/mo

... K9 handler, we have a career path for you! The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently ... This entry level, non-sworn classification participates in pre-academy training and the actual ...

City of San Diego

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD ... an entry-level position. If you have not graduated from a California P.O.S.T. academy or do not ...

City of San Diego, CA

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD ... Police officer I is not an entry-level position. If you have not graduated from a California P.O.S.

All JobsEntry Level K9 Handler Jobs

Entry Level K9 Handler information

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$9

$17

$24

How much do entry level k9 handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level k9 handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a dog handler with no experience?

To become an entry-level K9 handler with no experience, individuals should gain basic knowledge of dog behavior and training, often through volunteering or working with animals at shelters. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as canine obedience or security training, and gaining experience working with dogs can improve prospects; some agencies also provide on-the-job training for new hires.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Entry Level K9 Handler positions typically do not pay $400 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized, highly experienced roles like corporate consultants, top-tier legal or medical professionals, or certain freelance experts. Most entry-level law enforcement or security roles pay significantly less, often hourly wages in the range of $15 to $30. High-paying jobs generally require extensive experience, advanced skills, or specialized certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level K9 Handler position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level K9 Handler, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, basic obedience training, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring prior experience with dogs. Familiarity with training equipment, scent detection tools, and basic safety protocols is often important, and completion of certification programs in canine handling can provide an advantage. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help handlers train dogs effectively and interact with supervisors and the public. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the safety, well-being, and performance of both the handler and the K9 partner in a variety of real-world environments.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Entry Level K9 Handler positions typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized, high-risk security roles, executive protection, or consulting positions that require extensive experience, certifications, and sometimes working in high-stakes environments. Most entry-level roles in law enforcement or security pay significantly less, often on an hourly or salary basis rather than daily rates.

What does a typical day look like for an entry level K9 Handler?

A typical day for an entry level K9 Handler involves caring for and training their assigned dog, conducting obedience or scent detection exercises, and maintaining accurate training records. Handlers often work alongside experienced trainers or law enforcement officers, participating in team briefings or joint exercises to ensure effective communication and safety. Regular tasks include grooming the dog, inspecting equipment, and sometimes assisting in live demonstrations or community events. While the work can involve irregular hours and physically demanding activities, it offers hands-on experience and opportunities to advance to higher-level roles with additional training and proven performance.

What is an Entry Level K9 Handler job?

An Entry Level K9 Handler is responsible for working with trained dogs to perform tasks such as security, detection, or search and rescue. Handlers assist in training, care, and deployment of the K9 while following protocols to ensure safety and efficiency. These roles are often found in law enforcement, military, private security, or search and rescue organizations. Entry-level positions typically require basic canine handling experience, physical fitness, and strong communication skills. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require certification.

How to get into K9 handling?

To become an entry-level K9 handler, candidates typically need a background in law enforcement, security, or related fields, along with training in canine behavior and handling. Gaining certification from recognized organizations and acquiring experience working with working dogs can improve job prospects. Physical fitness, patience, and strong communication skills are also important for success in this role.
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Entry Level K9 Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level K9 Handler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.
Entry Level Police Officer

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Tigard

Portland, OR • On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and testing process, or visit Join Tigard Police. Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our YouTube channel.

Examples of Duties Tigard Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention work, including patrol and investigation. Sworn officers enforce state and local laws, regulations and ordinances and perform a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following: Responds to a variety of radio calls including theft, domestic disturbances, welfare checks and CPR calls. Investigates crashes, deaths, and criminal complaints.

Makes arrests and issues citations when required. Patrols roads, highways, businesses and residential areas of the City. Enforces applicable criminal and traffic laws.

Prepares case records and reports. Participates in the prosecution of cases in court. Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.

Accomplishes the Police Department Mission to "To protect and serve all who live, play and work in Tigard." The Tigard Police Department provides a variety of career possibilities for Police Officers in specialty assignment positions including K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis Negotiations, TNT (Tactical Negotiations Team), Commercial Crimes Unit, Drug Investigations and more. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Completion of high school or GED One (1) year of experience working with the public Some college-level coursework and/or volunteer law enforcement experience desirable REQUIREMENTS: Must be a US citizen Must be 21 years or older at time of hire Possess a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license Must be legally authorized and physically able to carry a firearm Ability to work all shifts, including swing, nights, weekends, holidays on a rotating basis Must be able to read and write the English language Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred Applicants must have the ability to learn and apply laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and procedures; ability to give credible testimony in a court of law; ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws and department policies; ability to prepare accurate, concise, informative and grammatically correct reports; ability to understand and act upon complex oral and written instructions; ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and all levels of City staff. Supplemental Information TESTING PROCESS: The City of Tigard partners with the National Test Network (NTN) to administer a portion of the entry level police officer testing (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement)

In-person and remote testing options are available. A list of frequently asked questions and answers are available here. Please be aware there is a fee associated with taking this test.

Proctored tests at alternative sites (NTN Testing Centers) are available upon request. For additional information, interested candidates are encouraged to call 855-821-3761. Sign Up for Testing on the National Testing Network website: Go to National Testing Network Law Enforcement Positions.

Scroll to Tigard Police Department and check the box to select our agency, hit continue. Confirm you meet the requirements, hit continue. Select your testing location (in-person or virtual), hit continue and follow the additional instructions.

Please note: if you don't have an account with NTN you will need to create one. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants who pass the reading, writing and video portions of the NTN test with a score of at least 70% each will be invited to submit a job application (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement). An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once verified NTN scores are received.

HIRING PROCESS: Take the NTN test (must pass with at least 70%) or submit a degree waiver via email Candidates will receive an email to schedule an in-person panel interview called an Oral Board Take a Pre-Offer Suitability Evaluation (test proctored at Tigard Police Department) Pass an Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) (see details below) Background Investigation (detailed and time-intensive process that can take weeks to months to complete) Interview with the Chief of Police Upon a conditional job offer, you will be required to undergo: Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination Drug Test OREGON PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (ORPAT): The Tigard Police Department will request proof of passing the ORPAT within the last 12 months prior to entering the background process. We use the ORPAT as a screening tool to help select the most qualified applicants to continue in our application process for police officer positions. Applicants may provide ORPAT scores from other agencies or testing companies, however, we require all the standards set by the DPSST (obstacle course, push pull complex, dummy drag).

Please watch the ORPAT video from DPSST for more information. If you have not yet completed the ORPAT, several local testing options are available. The Tigard Police Department hosts ORPAT testing days on occasion.

UNION RESPRESENTION: TPOA (Tigard Police Officers' Association)

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