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Firearm Instructor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Trainee

Ocala, FL · On-site

$51K/yr

Ability to interact and communicate effectively with academy instructors, faculty and fellow ... Ability to develop skill in use and care of firearms O. Ability to develop excellent emergency ...

Police Officer - Certified

Naples, FL · On-site

$76K - $82K/yr

... Unit, Instructors (Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Driving, First Aid), Negotiator, HNT, COP, CVSA Examiner, and more Reimbursement of the academy tuition costs to a candidate who paid the cost ...

Showing results 41-52

Firearm Instructor information

See Florida salary details

$22K

$43.9K

$78.1K

How much do firearm instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearm instructor in Florida is $43,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $44,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a firearm instructor do?

A Firearm Instructor is a trained professional responsible for teaching individuals how to safely handle, operate, and maintain firearms. They provide instruction on proper shooting techniques, firearm safety protocols, and legal responsibilities related to gun ownership and use. Firearm Instructors may teach civilians, law enforcement, or military personnel, and often conduct both classroom and hands-on training sessions. Their goal is to ensure students become competent, confident, and responsible firearm users.

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

To thrive as a Firearm Instructor, you need comprehensive firearms knowledge, safety expertise, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or law enforcement training. Familiarity with range safety protocols, training simulators, and instructional materials is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learners are essential soft skills. These qualifications ensure safe, effective instruction and help students develop responsible firearm handling practices.

What are some common challenges faced by firearm instructors when training new students, and how can these be addressed?

Firearm Instructors often encounter students with varying levels of experience, confidence, and safety awareness. A key challenge is ensuring that all participants understand and consistently follow strict safety protocols, especially those who are nervous or unfamiliar with firearms. Instructors address this by providing clear, step-by-step instructions, close supervision during practical exercises, and fostering an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. Patience, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial for helping every student progress safely and confidently.

What is the difference between Firearm Instructor vs Shooting Range Instructor?

AspectFirearm InstructorShooting Range Instructor
CertificationsFirearm safety, instructor certifications, possibly NRA or state-specific licensesRange safety, basic firearm handling, customer service certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, shooting ranges, law enforcement or civilian training settingsShooting ranges, retail stores, recreational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, security, civilian firearm training schoolsShooting ranges, firearm retail stores, recreational facilities

Firearm Instructors focus on comprehensive firearm safety, handling, and advanced shooting techniques, often requiring specialized certifications. Shooting Range Instructors primarily oversee range safety, assist customers, and provide basic firearm guidance. While both roles involve firearm knowledge, Firearm Instructors typically have more extensive training and work in educational settings, whereas Shooting Range Instructors focus on customer service and range operations.

How hard is it to become a firearm instructor?

Becoming a firearm instructor typically requires obtaining relevant certifications, such as state or national firearms instructor licenses, which involve completing training courses and passing exams. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of firearm safety, operation, and applicable laws, along with practical teaching skills; the process can take several weeks to months depending on the certification requirements. Experience with firearms and a clean background are also important for qualification.

How much do firearms instructors make in the US?

Firearm instructors in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a training company or independently. Many instructors supplement income through private lessons, certifications, and specialized training programs.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Firearm Instructor jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Firearm Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Firearm Instructor jobs in FL?

For Firearm Instructor jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Firearm Instructor job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,860 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATOR II - 41500706

MyFlorida

Boynton Beach, FL

$60K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Requisition No: 875982 

Agency: Florida Gaming Control Commission

Working Title: LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATOR II - 41500706

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 41500706 

Salary:  $60,000.00 - $74,712.12 

Posting Closing Date: 09/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION

Division of Gaming Enforcement

Law Enforcement Investigator II

(Working Title: Special Agent)

Position Number: 41500706

Hiring Salary: $60,000.00 - $74,712.12 annually

**Central Region**

***OPEN COMPETITIVE***

Anticipated Vacancy

Previous applicants are still being considered and need not re-apply

Overview:

The Florida Gaming Control Commission is responsible for exercising all regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to legal gaming, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms, slot machine facilities, oversight of gaming compacts, and other forms of gambling authorized by state law, excluding the Lottery, as well as directly enforcing Florida's gaming laws and combatting illegal gambling activities.

The agency is overseen by five Commissioners who are appointed by the Governor, with the Commissioners appointing an Executive Director who leads a team of nearly 200 staff members. The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement.

The Commission offers a supportive work environment that fosters growth and collaboration.

General Description:

This is a law enforcement position involving duties pursuant to Florida Statutes 16.711. The incumbent assigned to this position conducts criminal, internal, intelligence and other types of investigations, as well as providing training to other agents, in support of the Florida Gaming Control Commission's mission. 

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Investigates violations of criminal laws; collects evidence; prepares investigative reports; prepares and executes warrants; makes arrests; and performs other actions necessary to bring investigations to a logical conclusion.
  • Receives reports involving and opens cases of illegal gambling, contraband gambling devices, organized gambling schemes and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies for possible resolution. 
  • Works undercover to gain investigative intelligence and discover criminal methodology, to determine if a criminal violation has occurred. 
  • Manages numerous investigative assignments. Prepares analysis of investigative files and reports the findings to appropriate management, as required.
  • Assists Gaming Control Commission staff by requesting, receiving, compiling, and analyzing highly sensitive, confidential information regarding suspected criminals, criminal groups, and criminal activity.
  • Gives testimony in courts of law pertaining to investigations and to the facts obtained. 
  • Works with department staff, federal/state/county/municipal law enforcement agencies and representatives in a collaborative manner to satisfy investigative goals.
  • Crime Prevention Duties - presents information to local, state or other law enforcement agencies, in addition to community and civic organizations, regarding illegal gambling activity, effective deterrents, and aiding potential victims.
  • Mutual Aid Assignment - Pursuant to F.S. 23.121, the incumbent will respond to and participate in the Florida Mutual Aid program in a law enforcement capacity to assist other government or local agencies as specified by Mutual Aid agreements.
  • Training - Attends and completes 40 hours of training courses, every four (4) years, for mandatory retraining necessary to maintain certification as an active law enforcement officer.
  • Instructor Duties - May be required to perform instructor duties as training is received in specialized or high liability fields, such as firearms, defensive tactics, etc.
  • Field Training Officer - as knowledge and experience determine, the incumbent may be asked to provide field training to other agents regarding elements of their position.
  • Case Agent Duties - As an experienced agent, the incumbent may be assigned the role of lead agent in cases when multiple agents are assigned or for investigations conducted in conjunction with other agencies. Responsible for coordination of case activities and documentation by all parties.
  • Performs other related duties as appropriate or assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer as defined in Chapter 943, Florida Statutes.
  • Five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience.
  • Two (2) or more documented years of sworn law enforcement experience as a criminal investigator or detective.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License, or if selected, must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License by the date of appointment.
  • Must have a safe driving history.

Additional requirements of the position:

  • Attendance is an essential function of this position. 
  • Work requirements are 160 hours within a 28-day work cycle. 
  • Successful passing of a criminal background check (state, local, and national) is required. 
  • May be required to have a National Security clearance.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of information learned while working with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, whether learned through assigned duties or through working with other units.  The types of confidential information may include, but are not limited to;
    • Information regarding criminal records, investigative leads, suspects, witnesses, confidential informants, and any other information discovered or uncovered during the course of investigative activities. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of investigative techniques;
  • Knowledge of law enforcement principles and techniques;
  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system;
  • Knowledge of computers and computer applications;
  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communication;
  • Ability to write investigative reports, affidavits and search warrants in a logical and concise manner, with appropriate articulation of events and situations, and demonstrating appropriate grammar, syntax, punctuation and spelling;
  • Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews, take statements, gather and preserve evidence;
  • Ability to use deductive reasoning;
  • Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments;
  • Ability to analyze information and determine its validity;
  • Ability to conduct surveillance or undercover activities;
  • Ability to read and understand complicated rules, regulations and directives;
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as well as confidential records and correspondence;
  • Ability to make independent decisions;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the public in a professional manner;
  • Ability to deal with individuals and critical situations in an effective manner;
  • Ability to operate and maintain motorized equipment;
  • Ability to perform physical labor and withstand physical exertion;
  • Ability to train and assist employees in job duties;
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required;
  • Ability to initiate, follow through, and complete various types of investigations;
  • Ability to travel during the day, overnight, and unexpectedly, as may be required; and
  • Ability to qualify with a firearm on an approved FDLE course.

Where you will work:

The candidate selected for this position will be assigned to the Central Regional Office in Ocala, Florida. 

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for Career Service employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

  • Low premium health, dental, vision, life, and supplemental coverage options!
  • Paid personal time, which includes annual leave, sick leave, nine paid holidays, and one personal holiday!
  • Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and more!
  • Family planning support that includes adoption benefits and paid/unpaid leave options for family and medical
    responsibilities!
  • Retirement plans that include employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com)!
  • Deferred compensation plans!
  • FREE basic life insurance plus additional options for you, your spouse, and your children!
  • Flexible Spending Accounts!
  • Tuition waivers!

Special Notes:

An employee assigned to this position must qualify on a continuing basis with a agency issued service weapon (firearm). Qualification for proficiency must conform to the standards established by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, Florida Gaming Control Commission.

An employee assigned to this position must have vision correctable to 20/30 or better.

An employee to this class may be required to undergo sporadic drug screening tests, either as part of the random testing of all Division of Gaming Enforcement employees, or at the specific direction of the Division Director when there is reasonable suspicion that drug abuse may be occurring by the employee. A positive test result may be reason for immediate dismissal from employment. 

Applicants will be required to submit proof of educational attainment to confirm eligibility for employment consideration or appointment to positions allocated to this class.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

  • The Florida Gaming Control Commission has employment restrictions for all commission employees referenced in sections 16.713 and 16.715, Florida Statutes.
  • This position requires a Level 2 background screening and participation in direct deposit as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth in order to conduct this background screening.

Applicants are required to apply online through the People First system by the closing date. All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the advertisement. If you have any questions regarding your application, you may call 1-877-562-7287.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission provides equal opportunities for applicants and employees regardless of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and any other classification or status protected by law. The Commission does not show partiality or grant any special status to any applicant, employee, or group of employees unless otherwise required by law.

Special Reminders:

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.  For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

We hire only U. S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Our agency participates in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database available for employers to use to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

The Commission is committed to increasing recruitment and

hiring of individuals with disabilities and improving employment outcomes.

 

The Commission values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country

and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.Â