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Military Sniper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

... Sniper School, and Pathfinder School. Testing & Certifications: * 57 Nationally Recognized ... The Army, as one of the three military departments (Army, Navy and Air Force) reporting to the ...

Military Sniper information

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$11K

$35K

$41.5K

How much do military sniper jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 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 U.S. military snipers make?

U.S. military snipers are active-duty service members whose pay depends on rank and years of service, with base pay ranging from approximately $2,000 to $8,000 per month. Additional allowances for skills, deployment, and special qualifications can increase total compensation, and they often receive training in marksmanship, camouflage, and reconnaissance.

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.

Who is the #1 deadliest sniper?

The title of the deadliest sniper is often attributed to Simo Häyhä, a Finnish sniper credited with over 500 kills during the Winter War. In military sniper roles, accuracy, stealth, and marksmanship skills are essential, and professionals often use specialized rifles and optics to succeed in high-stakes environments.

Do snipers need 20/20 vision?

Military snipers typically need at least 20/20 vision or corrected to that standard to ensure precise target identification and accuracy. Good visual acuity is essential for assessing distances, reading scopes, and making accurate shots, often supported by vision tests during training and selection processes.

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 military positions are snipers in?

Military snipers are typically part of specialized units within the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, or Air Force. They serve in roles such as Scout Sniper, Reconnaissance Sniper, or designated marksman, often requiring advanced marksmanship skills, training, and certification. Snipers operate in various environments, including combat zones and training exercises, and may work closely with infantry or special operations units.

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:
Infographic showing various Military Sniper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Police Officer (Secret Service Police) Counter Sniper

Police Officer (Secret Service Police) Counter Sniper

US Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC

$77K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 276 rated public sector bodies


Job description

The Secret Service Police (Uniformed Division) mission is to protect facilities and venues secured for U.S. Secret Service protectees. Throughout its history, the Secret Service Police has accomplished this mission through a tradition of honor, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Recruitment Incentive of $75,000. For more information, click here.
For more information on the Secret Service, click here.

Qualifications:

Requirements Continued:

  • Must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/100, correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK surgeries are acceptable if required post-surgery visual tests are passed: Lasik (3 months), PRK (6 months), ALK/RK (1 year) waiting periods apply.
  • You must successfully complete and pass the Ishihara Color Vision Test.
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. Applicants must be able to hear the whispered voice at 15 feet with each ear without the use of a hearing aid.
  • Obtain a Top-Secret Clearance and retain it during your career.
  • Use your official name on your application as it appears on your valid government identification (i.e., Real ID Driver's License, State ID, Passport.)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You qualify for the LE-01 grade level (starting salary $77,987.00) if you meet the following requirements:

  • Possess, at a minimum, a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency.
  • Be the age of 20 at the time of application. Must be 21 at the time of appointment.

Ideal candidates should possess ONE of the SEVEN categories listed below:

Military (current/former):

  • Successful completion of a level 1 or level 2 sniper training program.
  • Possess a combat arms occupational specialty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Served as a tactical operator (in a non-support or administrative role) in the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Successfully completed the requisite training course for a military special operations unit.
Law Enforcement (current/former):
  • Served as a tactical operator (in a non-support or administrative role) in a U.S. Government special operations unit.
  • Served as a member of a federal, state, or local law enforcement tactical team.
  • Completed the requisite training course for a U.S. Government special operations unit or a federal, state, or local law enforcement tactical team.

Applicants must successfully complete Phase I (see below) to receive a conditional offer. In addition, applicants must successfully complete Phase II (see below) in order to receive final consideration for employment.Phase I:

  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  • Uniformed Division Entrance Examination (UDEE)
  • Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
  • Special Agent and Uniformed Division Pre-Employment Review (Super) Interview
Phase II:
  • Credit Check/Security Interview
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Drug screening
  • Medical Examination
  • Background Investigation (a top-secret security clearance)

As part of the application process the applicant will be required to complete the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). It is a physical fitness assessment, which consists of four components (push-ups, sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run and a 1.5 Mile Run). The APAT is designed to measure the current level of general physical fitness of an applicant, which serves as an indicator of an applicant's ability to safely complete a vigorous physical training program. It evaluates an applicant's ability to perform the physical tasks required on the job by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity and other factors related to physical aptitude. The standards are anticipated to be the same regardless of age, gender or position.
General Medical Requirements:
As determined by the Office of Personnel Management, the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily. Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying. There are also specific medical requirements for this position, and any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, genitourinary, and other systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position may also be disqualifying. Click here for more information.

The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines, please click here to view our Drug Policy.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience, no points will be assigned.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003