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Special Operations Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$150 - $230/hr

Founded and led by former Special Operations Forces operators and mission experts, the organization is rooted in firsthand experience with complex operational environments and high-stakes missions.

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Position title : Subject Matter Expert (Joint Special Operations) Location : Fort Bragg (Fort ... Operating Environment, and UW campaign planning.

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Special Operations Operator information

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How much do special operations operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for special operations operator in the United States is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special operations operator?

Special Operations Operators are highly trained military personnel who conduct specialized missions that go beyond the capabilities of conventional military forces. Their duties often include counterterrorism, reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. Operators are selected through a rigorous process and receive advanced training in areas such as weapons handling, survival, tactics, and languages. They frequently work in small, elite teams and are deployed in challenging and high-risk environments around the world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special operations operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Operations Operator, you need advanced physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and specialized military training, often acquired through rigorous selection programs like Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces. Expertise with weapons systems, communications technology, and survival equipment is essential, along with relevant military certifications. Exceptional teamwork, resilience, and decision-making under pressure are crucial soft skills for operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments. These competencies ensure mission success, personal safety, and effective coordination in demanding and often dangerous operations.

What are some common challenges special operations operators face during missions, and how are they supported to overcome them?

Special Operations Operators often encounter challenges such as operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments, coordinating with multiple agencies, and adapting quickly to changing mission parameters. They are supported through rigorous training, access to advanced equipment, and strong team cohesion that fosters trust and clear communication. Additionally, operators have access to mental health resources and regular debriefings to help manage stress and maintain peak performance.

What is the difference between Special Operations Operator vs Combat Medic?

AspectSpecial Operations OperatorCombat Medic
Required CredentialsMilitary training, special operations qualification, security clearanceMedical certifications, EMT or paramedic license, military medical training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk, covert missions in diverse terrainsField medical support in combat zones or emergency settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary special forces unitsMilitary, emergency services, or civilian medical units

Special Operations Operators and Combat Medics both serve in military environments, but their roles differ significantly. Operators focus on covert, high-risk missions requiring specialized combat skills, while Combat Medics provide medical support and emergency care in combat zones. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in military special operations.

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What cities are hiring for Special Operations Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Special Operations Operator job openings:

What states have the most Special Operations Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Operations Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Special Operations Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,244 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Subject Matter Expert (Joint Special Operations)

IDS International

Fort Liberty, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title
Subject Matter Expert (Joint Special Operations)Why IDS?
IDS believes in resolving conflict, building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today's greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public-sector clients.Locations
Fort Bragg, NCShifts Available
Please note, candidates must be flexible. Shift times are general hours; some projects may require earlier or later reporting based on customer requirements.Job Description
IDS is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (Joint Special Operations) to support Mission Command Exercises focused on Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) and Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) training objectives. The selected candidate will provide expertise in joint operations, exercise planning and execution, and Special Operations Forces mission command training.Key Duties
• Support Mission Command Exercise planning, preparation, coordination, and execution activities.
• Provide subject matter expertise on joint operations within Special Operations Forces environments.
• Support TSOC and JSOTF training scenarios.
• Assist with research and development of exercise objectives and scenarios.
• Support mission command training activities for SOF units.Requirements
• Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate of the U.S. Army Special Forces Officer Qualifying Course, U.S. Army Military Information Support Officers Qualifying Course, U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer Qualifying Course, or U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer Basic Leader Course (or other service equivalent).
• Graduate of a U.S. military officer's intermediate or senior level service school.
• Two years' experience in Special Operations Forces Headquarters staff positions specifically performing joint operations.
• One year experience researching, planning, preparing, coordinating, and executing Mission Command Exercises focusing on Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) and/or Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) scenarios to train SOF units.
• Graduate of a Joint Forces Staff College program or school such as the Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JPME-II), Joint Advanced Warfighting School, or Joint, Interagency, and Multinational Planner's Course.Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate of one or more Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) or equivalent courses.
• Knowledge of strategic-level theory, National Security Strategy, and National Military Strategy.
• Knowledge of the Joint Operating Environment.
• Knowledge of strategic national guidance relating to operational plans and campaigns and their relationship to tactical-level application and strategic relevance.
• Experience with intelligence systems acquisition capability.
• Advanced Military Intelligence experience relating to Irregular Warfare and/or SOF Operations.
• Knowledge of regular versus irregular intelligence support, armed groups and irregular movements, intelligence support to Unconventional Warfare (UW), and UW campaign planning factors.Compensation
• Competitive Hourly Pay
• Benefits
Employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds, but may vary depending on the position. Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.
If you are unable to apply through the portal and need to speak to someone about necessary accommodations to apply, please email accommodation@idsinternational.com and we will follow up with you. Do not submit resumes and applications through this email.