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Firearms Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Global Medical Response

Instructor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Instructor: San Diego, CA IMMEDIATELY HIRING! PER-DIEM Opportunity $45.00 per hour Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are ...

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Firearms Instructor information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$57.9K

$103.1K

How much do firearms instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearms instructor in California is $57,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a firearms instructor may face when working with trainees of varying skill levels?

Firearms Instructors often encounter the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to accommodate trainees with different backgrounds, learning speeds, and levels of experience. Balancing safety, engagement, and skill development for both beginners and advanced shooters requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Instructors must also address nervousness or misconceptions about firearms, ensuring all participants feel comfortable and confident while maintaining strict safety protocols. Collaborating with range staff and other instructors can help facilitate a supportive learning environment.

What is a firearms instructor?

Firearms Instructors are professionals who teach individuals and groups how to handle, operate, and maintain firearms safely and effectively. They provide instruction on firearm safety, marksmanship, legal considerations, and proper handling techniques. Firearms Instructors may work with law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, or civilians, and often conduct both classroom and live-fire training. Their role is critical in ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge required for responsible firearm use.

What does a firearms instructor do?

As a firearms instructor, your job is to teach students how to use firearms responsibly or train personnel or customers on how to use specific firearms. Firearms instructors can work at shooting ranges, weapons manufacturing companies, or government or law enforcement agencies. Although your particular responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, most instructors’ duties are similar. You may oversee police academy recruits during training, work with private security companies to lead coursework, or teach citizens on how to use guns.

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

To thrive as a Firearms Instructor, you need expert knowledge of firearms safety, marksmanship, and instructional techniques, often supported by certifications from organizations like the NRA or law enforcement agencies. Familiarity with range safety protocols, training aids, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help instructors effectively teach and adapt to various experience levels. These skills ensure safe, effective training and compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What is the difference between Firearms Instructor vs Security Guard?

AspectFirearms InstructorSecurity Guard
Required CertificationsFirearms safety and instructor certifications, state licensingSecurity license, state licensing
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, shooting ranges, classroomsBuildings, outdoor locations, event venues
Employer & IndustryTraining companies, law enforcement, private security firmsSecurity companies, private clients, retail stores

While both roles require licensing and involve safety protocols, Firearms Instructors focus on teaching firearm skills and safety, often in training facilities, whereas Security Guards provide security services, patrolling and monitoring in various environments. The roles differ mainly in their primary responsibilities but share common certifications and industry usage.

More about Firearms Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Firearms Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Firearms Instructor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Firearms Instructor jobs in California? For Firearms Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Firearms Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Firearms Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Firearms Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Firearms Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Firearms Instructor jobs in CA? For Firearms Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Firearms Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firearms Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,924 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

POST Academy Para-Professional

San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, CA • On-site

$63.14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary: $63.14 Hourly
Location : Stockton, CA (Main Campus)
Job Type: Adjunct Faculty
Job Number: 2024-00134
Department: Social Science, Humanities, and Education - POST
Opening Date: 09/17/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CTA
Calendar: 12-month
Description
Under the general supervision of the Director of POST Academy, the Firearms Safety Line Officer, Arrest and Control Safety Officer, EVOC Safety Officer, Lifetime Fitness Safety Officer, and POST Scenario Proctor assist in the instruction of Firearms and/or Arrest and Control, Lifetime Fitness, and/or EVOC, and/or Proctors Scenario Testing within the POST Academy.
Responsibilities and Duties
Duties and responsibilities may include, but not limited to the following:
  1. Assist in the instruction of Firearms courses and/or Arrest and Control, Lifetime Fitness courses and/or EVOC in the POST Academy and/or Proctor Scenario Testing in accordance with credit course outlines approved by the Board of Trustees and POST.
  2. Assist students in achieving stated course objectives. Assist in the evaluation of the progress of each student and notifies lead Firearms instructor, lead Arrest and Control Instructor, lead Lifetime Fitness Instructor or lead EVOC Instructor of any students needing further assistance.
  3. Coordinate with other Academy staff in the implementation of instructional materials.
  4. Complete testing documents as required.
  5. Perform other duties as related to these duties as assigned by the Academy Director and/or Academy Coordinator.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess a certificate of completion from a POST Firearms Instructor course or equivalent, POST Arrest and Control Instructor or equivalent, POST Physical Training Instructor, or POST EVOC Instructor or equivalent to participate in specified courses (meet criteria listed under11 CA ADC § 1070 California Code of Regulations.)
  • To proctor Scenarios, have experience relevant to accepted law enforcement practices of field tactics and procedures and possess at least a POST Basic Certificate.
  • Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, ethnic backgrounds and differences of students.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in Law Enforcement or other related field.
Demonstrated ability to adapt techniques to different level of students.
Demonstrated ability and desire to stay current in the field.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
I have attached my certificate of completion from a POST Firearms Instructor of equivalent, POST Arrest and Control Instructor or equivalent, POST Physical Training Instructor or equivalent, or POST EVOC Instructor of equivalent to participate in specified courses (meet criteria listed under 11 CA ADC § 1070 California Code of Regulations.)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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