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Military Sniper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Army Infantryman (11X)

Staunton, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

Special Forces, Airborne School, Ranger School, Sniper School, and Pathfinder School. Job Duties ... enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Education Benefits In the Army ...

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Military Sniper information

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$11K

$35K

$41.5K

How much do military sniper jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for military sniper in the United States is $35,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $40,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Army snipers get paid?

Army snipers are military personnel whose pay depends on rank and years of service, with base salaries starting around $2,000 to $4,000 per month for enlisted soldiers and higher for officers. Additional pay may include allowances for combat, special skills, and hazardous duty. Overall compensation can vary based on experience, location, and deployment status.

What are some common challenges faced by military snipers in the field?

Military snipers often encounter challenges such as maintaining absolute concentration and patience during long observation missions, sometimes in harsh or unpredictable environments. They must also manage the psychological stress associated with operating independently or in small teams, often behind enemy lines. Effective communication and coordination with spotters and command units are crucial for mission success, as is adapting quickly to changing weather or operational conditions. Continuous training and mental resilience are key to overcoming these challenges and excelling in the role.

Do you need 20/20 to be a sniper?

Military snipers typically need excellent vision, often 20/20 or better, to ensure precise targeting. However, some branches may allow minor vision corrections with glasses or contact lenses, and additional skills like marksmanship and patience are also essential for the role.

Is a sniper a job in the military?

Yes, a sniper is a specialized military role involving precise marksmanship, reconnaissance, and stealth tactics. Military snipers typically undergo rigorous training, use advanced optics and camouflage, and serve in various branches of the armed forces. This position requires physical fitness, discipline, and often a background in infantry or related fields.

What is the difference between Military Sniper vs Military Marksman?

AspectMilitary SniperMilitary Marksman
CertificationsSpecialized sniper training, marksmanship coursesBasic marksmanship training, standard firearm proficiency
Work EnvironmentField operations, covert missions, long-range shootingMilitary ranges, combat zones, standard firearm use
Usage in IndustrySpecialized roles in military units, reconnaissanceStandard combat roles, general firearm proficiency

Military snipers undergo advanced training focused on long-range precision shooting and reconnaissance, often operating in covert environments. Military marksmen, while highly skilled, typically have broader firearm proficiency and serve in more general combat roles. The main difference lies in specialization and scope of duties within military operations.

What are military snipers?

Military snipers are specially trained soldiers responsible for long-range target engagement, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering. They use precision rifles and advanced optics to accurately hit targets from great distances, often in challenging conditions. In addition to marksmanship, snipers excel in camouflage, stealth, and fieldcraft to operate undetected. Their role is critical for providing battlefield intelligence, supporting infantry units, and neutralizing high-value targets.

What is the best military branch to become a sniper?

The U.S. Marine Corps, Army, and Navy SEALs are known for their sniper programs, with each branch offering specialized training and operational roles. The Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and Marine Corps Scout Snipers are highly regarded, and selection often requires passing rigorous physical and marksmanship tests, along with security clearances. Choosing a branch depends on career goals, available training, and the specific sniper roles within each service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Military Sniper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Sniper, you need advanced marksmanship, tactical fieldcraft, and physical fitness, typically acquired through specialized military training and selection courses. Familiarity with precision rifles, ballistic calculators, camouflage gear, and communication systems is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, patience, mental resilience, and decision-making under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for mission success, operational security, and the safety of both the sniper and their unit.
More about Military Sniper jobs
What job categories do people searching Military Sniper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Sniper jobs are:
Military Sniper jobs near you
PSS / Designated Defensive Marksman (PSS/DDM) | WPSIII

PSS / Designated Defensive Marksman (PSS/DDM) | WPSIII

Constellis

Dallas, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 108 rated security

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Provide mobile armed personal protection and emergency response security services in high-risk areas for the Department of State in Baghdad, Iraq. Employees rotate in and out of country throughout the duration of their contract.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
  • Provide designated defensive marksman services as assigned
  • Perform day-to-day personal protective security functions.
  • Drive the lead vehicle, principal's vehicle, follow-vehicle, and/or act as response agent whenever required in motorcade or similar operations.
  • Carry and operate weapons as specified in daily post and detail orders, or upon orders from your chain of command
  • Participate in advance security preparations.
  • Man the security post at the principal's residence, the command post, or other static post as required.
  • Serve as a member of a QRF as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must currently possess a valid U.S. driver's license and a valid U.S. tourist passport to be considered
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of documented protective security experience. A Service-2 or Member-4 copy of the DD-214 must be provided for applicants using U.S military service as applicable experience.
    • Protective security experience is defined as a personal bodyguard, a designated security member of convoy or movement operations, or security services experience while actively carrying a firearm. Experience may only be gained by employment under a national/federal government, state government, city/municipal government, provincial or township government, or a government-licensed commercial entity that provides armed protective services. Experience as sworn law enforcement in the United States is always applicable.
    • A minimum of two (2) years of this experience must be as a DDM/sniper Candidates claiming military experience must have either a sniper military occupation specialty (MOS) or additional skill identifier (ASI). If claiming law enforcement experience for this requirement, it must be full-time and not as a collateral duty.
  • Obtain and maintain a personnel security clearance as identified in the contract (DOS Secret level). Clearance can be obtained during the application process.
  • Must attend and successfully complete a sniper/DDM/sharpshooter program issued by a military, law enforcement, or security (government or commercial) training program. This sniper/DDM/sharpshooter program must be of suitable complexity and quality to adequately prepare the graduate for successful performance as a WPS III DDM. Examples of programs that meet this requirement include, but are not limited to:
  1. United States Marine Corps (USMC) Scout/Sniper
  2. United States Army Sniper School
  3. United States Special Forces Sniper School (formerly SOTIC)
  4. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)/Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
  5. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Mobile Security Division (MSD) DDM
  6. National Tactical Officer's Association (NTOA) recognized law enforcement sniper course
  7. Army Search and Rescue Team (SRT) Level II course
  • Must score minimum M4 qualification of 95% (i.e., 285 out of 300 with iron sights) or better on the DS qualification course of fire. The candidate shall maintain this qualification level with the M4 throughout contract performance under this position
BENEFITS
Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflect its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
  • Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Insurance: Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Employee Assistance
  • Program Performance Reviews & Advancement Opportunities
  • Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • On-the-job Training, Skills Development & Certifications
  • Employee Referral Program
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must attend and successfully complete required training
  • Qualify with the Glock-19, M4, M240, M249, and requalifying as required by the task order (TO)
  • Complete the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) at the 65% performance level and maintain that fitness level for the duration of the contract
  • Must possess no impediments to travel overseas to and within countries that are considered dangerous or unhealthy in general, or to the country or countries assigned in the applicable task order

Equal Opportunity Employer
Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet

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