Also called: Tactical Officer, Special Response Team Member
Part of an elite police team handling the most dangerous situations, like barricaded gunmen.
SWAT operators train weekly in firearms, building entry, and medical skills, then get paged at any hour for hostage situations or high-risk arrests. Most are part-time on the team and also work regular assignments.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 5 years after high school. Police academy plus several years as a patrol officer, then selection and specialized training. Tough physical selection.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Police and detectives 2024-34 (approx.); specialty units are small.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones and throw-bots see inside first; entry, medical aid and split-second choices stay human.
Classes: PE / strength training, Health / first aid, Psychology, JROTC.
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.