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Swat Captain Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Captain

Coeur D Alene, ID · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

SWAT, K9, Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Records, and more. Captains serve as the Acting Chief ... This job provides generous benefits beyond the salary which include: uniforms and cleaning ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Salary : $84,968.00 - $108,486.00 Annually Location : Public Safety Building, Gresham, OR Job Type ... SWAT * Crisis Negotiation * K-9 * sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) * Explosive ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Salary : $84,968.00 - $108,486.00 Annually Location : Public Safety Building, Gresham, OR Job Type ... SWAT * Crisis Negotiation * K-9 * sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) * Explosive ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

Police Officer

Elk River, MN · On-site

$43.13/hr

Starting at $43.13/hour * 2026 salary range: $37.37 - $54.75/hour * Top pay reached in just 2 years ... SWAT • K-9 • Bike Team • Honor Guard • Detective Unit • Drug Task Force • Drone Unit ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

Police Officer

Elk River, MN · On-site

$43.13/hr

Starting at $43.13/hour * 2026 salary range: $37.37 - $54.75/hour * Top pay reached in just 2 years ... SWAT • K-9 • Bike Team • Honor Guard • Detective Unit • Drug Task Force • Drone Unit ...

Swat Captain Salary information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do swat captain salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for swat captain salary in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a SWAT captain?

The average salary of a SWAT Captain in the United States typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the city, department size, years of experience, and level of responsibility. Some cities or states with higher costs of living may offer higher salaries, and additional compensation can come from overtime, hazard pay, or other incentives. SWAT Captains, as senior law enforcement officers, generally earn more than regular police officers and are responsible for overseeing specialized tactical teams.

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

To thrive as a SWAT Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, tactical expertise, and often a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with advanced weaponry, tactical communication systems, and certifications in specialized training such as hostage negotiation or crisis intervention are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing high-stakes operations and team dynamics. These competencies are vital to ensure mission success, team safety, and proper handling of critical incidents.

What are some common challenges SWAT captains face in managing their teams during high-pressure operations?

SWAT Captains often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex tactical responses, ensuring clear communication among team members, and making quick decisions under intense pressure. They must balance the safety of their team with mission objectives, often in unpredictable and dangerous situations. Effective leadership, adaptability, and thorough training are essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining both team cohesion and operational success.

What is the difference between Swat Captain Salary vs Police Sergeant Salary?

AspectSwat Captain SalaryPolice Sergeant Salary
Average Annual Salary$70,000 - $120,000$60,000 - $90,000
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized tactical training, leadership experienceHigh school diploma, police academy certification, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentSpecialized tactical units, high-risk operationsPatrol and supervisory roles within police departments
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, tactical response teamsLaw enforcement, general police work

Swat Captains typically earn higher salaries than Police Sergeants due to specialized tactical training and leadership roles in high-risk operations. While both roles require law enforcement credentials, Swat Captains focus on tactical response, whereas Police Sergeants oversee patrol and supervisory duties. Salary differences reflect the level of specialization and responsibility in each position.

How hard is it to become a SWAT captain?

Becoming a SWAT captain requires several years of law enforcement experience, typically including prior service as a patrol officer and specialized training in tactical operations. Candidates often need to demonstrate leadership skills, pass physical and psychological assessments, and complete advanced tactical courses. The process is competitive and demands a strong record of performance and commitment to ongoing training.
More about Swat Captain Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Swat Captain Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Swat Captain Salary job openings:

What states have the most Swat Captain Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Swat Captain Salary jobs include:

Infographic showing various Swat Captain Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Police Captain

Stryker Corporation

Coeur D Alene, ID • On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired 5 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Stryker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Overview

A police captain for the Coeur d'Alene Police Department is an executive staff member who leads an assigned Division and reports directly to the Chief of Police. Captains are expected to have wide career experience and appropriate education/executive-level training.

The Coeur d’Alane Police Department (CDAPD) is a professional organization consisting of 121 employees and many volunteers working daily for the safety of, and justice for, our 58,000 residents and thousands of annual visitors. Professionalism and excellence are qualities you will find whether you are interacting with one of our 99 sworn officers or one of our high-level professional staff members. We believe in the value of strong community partnerships and robust regional collaboration.

The Captains primarily lead the Patrol or Investigations Divisions with additional responsibilities for one or more of: SWAT, K9, Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Records, and more. Captains serve as the Acting Chief in his absence and are primary collaborators with regional agencies.

This job provides generous benefits beyond the salary which include: uniforms and cleaning, firearms, take-home vehicle, pension plan, medical benefits, extensive training, and flexible scheduling.

Job Flyer: https://cdaid.org/media/0qwbcja2/police-captain-flyer.pdf

Minimum Requirements
  • Associate's Degree is required and a Bachelor's degree is preferred in Criminal Justice, Business Management or a related field;
  • Eight (8) years of law enforcement experience with at least two (2) years at the level of Lieutenant;
  • Idaho Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Basic certification with eligibility for Intermediate and Supervisor Certifications or the ability to obtain Intermediate and Supervisor Certification within one (1) year of appointment;
  • Valid driver's license; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
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