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K9 Officer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$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

Terre Haute, IN · 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

South Bend, IN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/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

Hammond, IN · 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

Gary, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/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

Evansville, IN · 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

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/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 ...

K9 Officer information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$24

$65

How much do k9 officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 officer in Indiana is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $27.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do K9 officers get paid good?

K9 officers are law enforcement personnel who work with trained police dogs, and their salaries typically align with police officer pay scales, which vary by location and experience. In general, K9 officers earn a competitive salary that may include additional benefits such as specialized training and equipment. Salary ranges can be influenced by factors like department size, geographic area, and years of service.

How hard is it to be a K9 officer?

Becoming a K9 officer requires completing law enforcement training, passing physical and psychological tests, and gaining experience as a police officer. The role demands physical fitness, specialized training in handling and working with police dogs, and a strong commitment to public safety. It is a challenging position that combines law enforcement skills with animal handling expertise.

What is a K9 officer?

K9 Officers are law enforcement professionals who work closely with specially trained police dogs, known as K9s, to perform a variety of duties. These officers and their canine partners assist in tasks such as detecting drugs, explosives, finding missing persons, and apprehending suspects. The dogs are trained to use their keen sense of smell and agility to support police work and enhance public safety. K9 Officers are responsible for the care, training, and well-being of their dogs, forming a strong bond with them to operate effectively as a team.

How do you become a K9 officer?

To become a K9 officer, candidates typically need to be law enforcement officers first, then undergo specialized training in police dog handling, obedience, and detection skills. Certification in K9 training and experience working with police dogs are often required, along with physical fitness and a clean background check.

What is the difference between K9 Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectK9 OfficerPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy, K9 handling certificationHigh school diploma, police academy
Work EnvironmentPatrols, training with K9 units, crime scene searchesPatrol, investigations, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, specialized K9 unitsLaw enforcement agencies, general policing

While both K9 Officers and Police Officers work in law enforcement, K9 Officers specialize in handling police dogs for searches, tracking, and suspect apprehension. Police Officers perform broader duties like patrol, investigations, and community policing. K9 Officers require specific K9 handling certifications, whereas Police Officers focus on general law enforcement training. Both roles are essential in maintaining public safety but differ in their focus and daily responsibilities.

What are some common challenges K9 officers face when working with their canine partners?

K9 Officers often encounter challenges related to maintaining a strong bond and effective communication with their canine partners. Building trust takes time and requires consistent training, patience, and understanding of the dog's behavior. Additionally, K9 Officers must ensure their canine partners are well-socialized and able to perform in high-stress or distracting environments, which can be demanding. Balancing the dog's well-being with operational demands is essential for both successful outcomes and the long-term health of the animal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a K9 officer?

To thrive as a K9 Officer, you need law enforcement training, canine handling skills, and usually a police academy certification. Familiarity with canine training techniques, scent detection tools, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, patience, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for building trust with your canine partner and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are vital for ensuring effective public safety operations, successful investigations, and positive police-canine relationships.
Infographic showing various K9 Officer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,433 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

MASTER-AT-ARMS

U.S. Navy

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 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

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Hours and flexibility

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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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