Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...
Special Operations Operator information
See salary details
$7.93 - $9.81
3% of jobs
$9.81 - $11.69
0% of jobs
$11.69 - $13.57
0% of jobs
$13.57 - $15.45
2% of jobs
$17.30 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.45 - $17.33
20% of jobs
$17.33 - $19.21
24% of jobs
The median wage is $19.25 / hr.
$19.21 - $21.09
22% of jobs
$21.43 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$21.09 - $22.97
19% of jobs
$22.97 - $24.85
7% of jobs
$24.85 - $26.73
1% of jobs
$26.73 - $28.61
1% of jobs
$7
$19
$28
How much do special operations operator jobs pay per hour?
As of May 31, 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 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 are Special Operations Operators?
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 is the difference between Special Operations Operator vs Combat Medic?
| Aspect | Special Operations Operator | Combat Medic |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Military training, special operations qualification, security clearance | Medical certifications, EMT or paramedic license, military medical training |
| Work Environment | High-risk, covert missions in diverse terrains | Field medical support in combat zones or emergency settings |
| Employer & Industry | Military special forces units | Military, 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.
More about Special Operations Operator jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Special Operations Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Operations Operator jobs are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Posted 26 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.2
Based on 369 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
39th of 46 rated military and defense
Job description
Job Title: Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC)
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions, gather reconnaissance, and deliver precision fires in support of Naval Special Warfare and joint operations.
Key Responsibilities
Insert and extract SEALs and other special operations personnel from rivers, coasts, and contested littoral areas; operate and maintain high speed combatant craft, engines, weapons, communications, and navigation systems; collect data on enemy installations, shipping, and coastal activity; assist military and civilian law enforcement agencies when directed; conduct direct action raids against enemy shipping and waterborne traffic; integrate with and support other special operations forces and naval strike groups.
What to Expect
Operate day and night in cold weather, desert, tropical, and jungle environments; frequent field training and live fire exercises with limited administrative time; physically and mentally demanding missions that require excellent conditioning, small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience.
Work Environment
Worldwide deployments along rivers, coastlines, and in littoral regions; work from small, heavily armed boats, larger support ships, and forward shore bases; live and train in tight knit teams with extended time in the field and at sea; exposure to harsh weather, rough seas, and high noise from engines and weapons systems.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Special Warfare Orientation in Coronado; Basic Crewman Selection, Basic Crewman Training, and Crewman Qualification Training that cover small boat operations, weapons, communications, navigation, and special operations support; continued advanced training in tactics, insertion methods, intelligence, and leadership as you progress and qualify in the community.
Volunteer for the SWCC program while in the Delayed Entry Program or from within the Fleet prior to the thirty first birthday, then pass screening, physical testing, and community selection to enter the SWCC training pipeline.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:
- Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
- A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
- Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
- Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
- Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
- Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
- Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
- Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include:
Excellent physical condition and strong swimming ability; eyesight within required limits, for example 20/40 best eye and 20/70 worst eye correctable to 20/25, with normal color vision; qualifying ASVAB scores such as minimum combinations in arithmetic reasoning, verbal, and mechanical comprehension; age 30 or younger at accession; United States citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance; mechanical aptitude and solid arithmetic and algebra skills.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
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