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Firearm Instructor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Community Action Team (CAT) Officer, Investigations, Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer (FTO), Evidence Technician, School Resource Officer (SRO), and Drone Operator. The South Elgin Police ...

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Firearm Instructor information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$56.9K

$101.3K

How much do firearm instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearm instructor in Illinois is $56,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $58,100.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Firearm Instructor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Firearm Instructor jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Firearm Instructor jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Firearm Instructor job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Firearm Instructor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,874 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Secondary Firearms Instructor - Part Time

GDIT

Glenview, IL

$30.44 - $41.18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

None

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

SCA

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Firearms, Firearms Training, Security Policies

Certifications:

None

Experience:

5 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

No

Job Description:

Job Description

GDIT has an amazing opportunity for a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) to provide world-class support to our clientele. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you are the foundation of our overall approach to support. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) joining our team to bring professionalism and initiative to a fast-paced environment that offers options for training, certification, and career advancement. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

HOW A Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
  • The Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) supports the Lead Firearms Instructor (LFI) during the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Requalification Training sessions. The SFI assists the LFI as directed in the preparation; completion; and post session clean-up requirements of all FFDO Semi-annual Firearms Requalification sessions.

  • Ensures student safety during dry-fire and live-fire training venues.

  • The SFI provides one-on-one instruction to students during the pre-qualification (warm-up) course of fire; and any remedial training as designated by the LFI.

  • The SFI must possess the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate law enforcement training concepts and issues to a diverse audience; and must possess the demonstrated ability to instruct in accordance with the principles of basic adult education; as well as platform and practical area instruction for law enforcement.

  • The SFI must have the ability to interpret; apply; and adhere to established program policies; standard operating procedures (SOPs); and lesson plans.

  • The SFI keeps all Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Sensitive Personally Identifying Information (SPII) secured appropriately both during and after a re-qualification session in compliance with the TSA MD 2100.2; Privacy and Information Collection Policy and TSA MD 1400.3 TSA Information Security Policy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • Required Experience: SFIs must have a minimum of 5 years of formal experience as an instructor in ALL of the following law enforcement disciplines: firearms; defensive tactics/measures; and use of force.

  • The SFI must be a current or former certified law enforcement official or civilian employee having completed a military; state; county or municipally certified firearms training program.

  • Associates Degree; or the equivalent combination of education; technical certifications or training; or work/military experience.

  • The SFI must also comply with all Federal; state; and/or local requirements.

  • This position requires applicants to successfully complete the security application and pass a background investigation clearance prior to starting.*

Working Conditions The work is typically performed at an indoor or outdoor gun range. Employees will be required to handle weapons and ammunition in the course of their duties. Exposure to high volumes of noise due to the firing of weapons will occur and employees are required to wear hearing protection in the form of foam ear plugs as well as external hearing protection. Exposure to expelled gun-powder as a result of fired ammunition is expected; and the employees must wash hands after handling ammunition. Work may require some physical effort in the handling of light materials; boxes; or equipment. The above job description is not intended to be; nor should it be construed as; exhaustive of all responsibilities; skills; efforts; or working conditions associated with this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal (essential) functions of this job.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

The likely hourly rate for this position is between $30.44 - $41.18. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

8

Travel Required:

None

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA IL Glenview

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US