As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Police Dog Handler in the United States is $39,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Police Dog Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Police Dog Handler's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Police Dog Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.16% |
| Hydraulics | 2.68% |
| 5S | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$44,352 |
12%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$43,956 |
11%
|
|
Initiative
|
$43,956 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$43,164 |
9%
|
|
Creativity
|
$42,372 |
7%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$42,372 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Police Dog Handlers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Police Dog Handler with a No Diploma is between $35,296 and $38,820).
Police Dog Handler Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 84.6% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Police Dog Handler's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on February 01, 2026Salaries for a Police Dog Handler can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,568 in 2023 to around $40,325 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Police Dog Handler salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $42,568 |
| 2024 | $41,710 |
| 2025 | $40,325 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Police Dog Handler and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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