Also called: Tactical Marksman, Precision Rifle Officer
A SWAT team member trained to observe from long range and take a precision shot only if a life is in danger.
Police snipers spend most of their time watching through a scope and reporting what they see to commanders during standoffs. They train constantly in marksmanship, camouflage, and patience.
Estimate from BLS patrol officers.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 6 years after high school. Police academy, years of patrol, SWAT selection, and sniper school.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS police and detectives, 2025-35.
Low risk for 10 years. Better optics and range tools assist; observing for hours and the decision to fire stay human.
Classes: Physics, Math, PE / fitness, Psychology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3051.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.