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K9 Handler Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Knoxville, TN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Murfreesboro, TN

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Jackson, TN

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Memphis, TN

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Chattanooga, TN

$16 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

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 ...

Showing results 21-30

K9 Handler information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do k9 handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 handler in Tennessee is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a K9 handler?

K9 Handlers generally require expertise in animal behavior, foundational law enforcement or security training, and a strong ability to interpret canine cues, often supported by relevant certifications such as K9 Handler Certification or police academy completion. Familiarity with handling equipment, canine training techniques, and documentation or tracking systems used in law enforcement or private security is essential. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills for the role. These skills ensure effective collaboration with human teams, safe and efficient handling of working dogs, and successful completion of detection, patrol, or search assignments.

What is a K9 handler?

A K9 Handler is a professional responsible for training, handling, and working with specially trained dogs, often for law enforcement, military, or security purposes. Their duties include obedience training, detection work (such as narcotics or explosives), search and rescue, and apprehension of suspects. Handlers form a strong bond with their K9 partners and ensure their ongoing training, care, and well-being. This role requires physical fitness, patience, and specialized training to effectively communicate and work with the dog.

What does a K9 handler do?

A typical day for a K9 Handler involves training, caring for, and working closely with their canine partner to perform tasks such as detecting narcotics, explosives, or locating missing persons, depending on the agency’s focus. Handlers are responsible not just for operational missions but also for maintaining the dog’s physical health, continuing obedience and specialty training, and ensuring proper documentation of activities and findings. The role may occasionally require irregular hours, travel, or responding to emergencies, and often includes collaboration with other law enforcement officers or security personnel. Success in this role comes from a strong bond with the dog, adaptability, and effective teamwork.

What are the most commonly searched types of K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee? For K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for K9 Handler jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for K9 Handler jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most K9 Handler job openings:
Infographic showing various K9 Handler job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,921 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

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 provide a wide range of critical services to every part of the Navy. As a Master-at-Arms you may:

  • Provide security and physical protection for service members
  • Train fellow Sailors in security and shore patrol duties
  • Serve as a security advisor for your squadron
  • 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
  • Conduct waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations
  • Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials
  • Conduct preliminary investigations into Uniform Code of Military Justice violations
  • Conduct crime prevention programs

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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

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

EDUCATION 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

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • 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.
  • For annual training, Masters-at-Arms may serve anywhere in the world—on ships or at bases and installations

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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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

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