Law Enforcement & Security
Durham, NC · On-site
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...
Law Enforcement & Security
Durham, NC · On-site
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...
Law Enforcement & Security
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...
Law Enforcement & Security
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...
MASTER-AT-ARMS
Durham, NC · On-site
$17 - $21.50/hr
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...
MASTER-AT-ARMS
Durham, NC · On-site
$17 - $21.50/hr
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...
MASTER-AT-ARMS
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...
MASTER-AT-ARMS
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...
K9 Explosives Handler information
See Raleigh, NC salary details
$9.58 - $10.86
1% of jobs
$10.86 - $12.13
0% of jobs
$12.13 - $13.40
2% of jobs
$13.40 - $14.68
8% of jobs
$15.30 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.68 - $15.95
27% of jobs
The median wage is $16.62 / hr.
$15.95 - $17.23
21% of jobs
$17.98 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.23 - $18.50
25% of jobs
$18.50 - $19.78
6% of jobs
$19.78 - $21.05
3% of jobs
$21.05 - $22.33
1% of jobs
$22.33 - $23.60
4% of jobs
$9
$17
$23
How much do k9 explosives handler jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 explosives handler in Raleigh, NC is $17.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges faced by K9 Explosives Handlers in the field?
K9 Explosives Handlers often encounter challenges such as working in high-pressure environments where accuracy and attention to detail are critical for safety. Adapting to different settings—like airports, public events, or transportation hubs—requires strong communication with security teams and the ability to quickly assess and respond to potential threats. Handlers must also ensure their canine partners remain focused and healthy, which involves ongoing training and care. Building trust and effective teamwork with both the dog and other security personnel is essential for success in this role.
How to become an explosive detection dog handler?
To become an explosive detection dog handler, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant law enforcement or military experience, and training in canine handling and explosives detection. Certification programs and on-the-job training are often required to develop skills in working with detection dogs and understanding explosive materials.
What is the difference between K9 Explosives Handler vs K9 Narcotics Handler?
| Aspect | K9 Explosives Handler | K9 Narcotics Handler |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | Can include handler certification, explosives detection training | Handler certification, narcotics detection training |
| Work Environment | Security checkpoints, airports, government facilities | Border crossings, customs, law enforcement agencies |
| Employer & Industry | Law enforcement, military, security firms | Law enforcement, customs agencies |
Both roles involve training dogs for detection work, but K9 Explosives Handlers focus on identifying explosive materials, while K9 Narcotics Handlers specialize in detecting illegal drugs. They share similar certifications and work environments, often within law enforcement or security sectors, making them closely related but distinct in their detection focus.
What's the highest K9 handler pay?
K9 explosives handlers can earn high salaries, especially with specialized training and experience. In some cases, top earners in law enforcement or security agencies can make over $70,000 annually, with salaries increasing based on location, certifications, and years of service.
What qualifications do you need to be a K9 handler?
To become a K9 explosives handler, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant law enforcement or security experience, and certification in K9 handling and explosives detection. Physical fitness, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in various environments are also important. Training programs are often provided by law enforcement agencies or specialized organizations.
How hard is it to become a K9 handler?
Becoming a K9 explosives handler typically requires prior law enforcement or military experience, completion of specialized training programs, and certification in explosive detection. Candidates must also pass physical fitness tests and background checks, with many agencies requiring ongoing training and experience working with detection dogs.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a K9 Explosives Handler, and why are they important?
To thrive as a K9 Explosives Handler, you need specialized knowledge of canine behavior, explosives detection, and typically law enforcement or military training, often supported by certifications in K9 handling. Familiarity with scent detection tools, safety protocols, and ongoing training systems is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for effective teamwork and decision-making in high-risk environments. These skills ensure accurate detection, safety for all personnel, and reliable performance in critical security operations.
What are K9 Explosives Handlers?
K9 Explosives Handlers are specialized professionals trained to work with dogs that are skilled in detecting explosives. They are responsible for training, caring for, and deploying their canine partners to search for explosive materials in areas such as airports, public events, buildings, and vehicles. These handlers work with law enforcement agencies, military units, and private security firms to ensure public safety. Their expertise in reading the behavior of their dogs and understanding detection techniques is crucial to preventing threats and responding to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to K9 Explosives Handler jobs in Raleigh, NC? For K9 Explosives Handler jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching K9 Explosives Handler jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for K9 Explosives Handler jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for K9 Explosives Handler jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most K9 Explosives Handler job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Retirement
Re-posted 23 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.3
Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
38th of 46 rated military and defense
Job description
ABOUT
In any large community like the Navy, law enforcement and security are essential. Whether executing crime prevention programs or carrying out anti-terrorism measures, the Sailors working as the Navy’s military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide security on ships, at bases and at military installations all around the world. Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The law enforcement and security community provides a wide range of critical services to every part of the Navy. In this role, you’ll serve as a Master-at-Arms, which means you may:
- Provide security and physical protection for service members
- Assist in crowd control and riot prevention
- Operate military prisons (brigs) aboard ships and on shore
- Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives
- Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials
PAY AND BENEFITS
From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- Paid training
- College credit
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
- Undergraduate degree opportunities
- Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
- Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
- Professional credentials and certifications
- College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. citizen or equivalent
- High school graduate or equivalent
- 17 years of age or older
WORK ENVIRONMENT
As an Enlisted Sailor working in law enforcement, you will have the chance to work in a number of environments. Though sometimes you may work behind a desk, you will often be out interacting with the community in a law enforcement capacity. You can expect to work at shore stations in the United States and overseas, aboard ships or as part of a maritime security squadron. In short, your assignments could take you anywhere in the world.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
There are part-time opportunities in law enforcement and security. Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Masters-at-Arms in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US