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Firearms Instructor Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Merced, CA

$55K - $72K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Modesto, CA

$58K - $76K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Manteca, CA

$60K - $79K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Modesto, CA

$60K - $79K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

HTF Staffing LLC

Be Seen First

General Education Teacher

Valley Springs, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

HTF Solutions is looking for an experienced General Education Teacher to work on our school campus in San Andreas, CA 95252 , for the Semester of the upcoming school year of 2026-27. 1 Gen Ed Teacher ...

All JobsFirearms Instructor JobsFirearms Instructor Jobs in Modesto, CA

Firearms Instructor information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$31.1K

$61.9K

$110.2K

How much do firearms instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearms instructor in Modesto, CA is $61,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $63,300.00 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 are Firearms Instructors?

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 popular job titles related to Firearms Instructor jobs in Modesto, CA? For Firearms Instructor jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Firearms Instructor jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Firearms Instructor job openings:
Firearms Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firearms Instructor job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,921 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
CLD Class A Instructor Trainer

CLD Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy

Stockton, CA • On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New

160 Driving Academy rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About the Role
160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country - 14 years strong, 90+ locations across 32 states, training roughly 20,000 students a year with an overall 88% average first-time pass rate. Our instructors are why.As a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer, you teach students from their first pre-trip inspection to the day they pass their CDL exam - in the yard, and behind the wheel. You will be based at a designated yard, working alongside a team of instructors and a Lead Instructor. From time to time, you may be asked to fill in at other regional yards when coverage is needed. Keeping your yard clean and presentable - light upkeep such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness - is part of the role.This is local, hands-on work for experienced Class A drivers ready to trade the long-haul life for a role that keeps you home every night and pays you for outcomes that matter. Our Compensation
  • Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
  • Monthly bonus pool payout: When your yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, every first-time pass adds $100 to a shared pool, split across the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating.
  • $100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards. Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.

Our Schedule
  • Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 8:00 AM - 4:30PM for most yards.
  • Higher volume yards sometimes run seven days a week, ten hours per day - opening alternative shifts including some four-day work weeks with three days off.
  • Occasional fill in at another regional yard. There is a possibility to stay over in a hotel. Per diem paid, and mileage is paid if you are using your own vehicle.
  • Students depend on their instructors being present. Reliable, on-time attendance is core to the role.

What You Will Do At 160 Driving Academy
  • Teach Class A driving skills using hands-on training in outdoor yards on automatic and manual transmissions.
  • Guide students step-by-step through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
  • Prepare students to pass CDL testing standards on the first attempt.
  • Track student attendance and progress; provide additional support when needed.
  • Maintain accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation.
  • Reporting of all incidents and accidents to your lead and corporate in a timely manner.
  • Work closely with fellow instructors and your Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow our defined curriculum.
  • Help keep the yard and building clean and presentable
  • Cover for other instructors at nearby regional yards in certain emergencies.
  • 90-day probationary period to ensure adherence to safety, compliance and curriculum.
  • Assist with the transfer of trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards for use.
  • Student-centric approach to teaching with ability to exhibit patience and professionalism.
  • Ability to climb in/out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
  • Additional requirements that apply specific to the role may be requested.

Our Benefits
  • Medical and dental (shared expense).
  • Paid vacation: 1 week to start, 2 weeks after year 1, 3 weeks after year 2.
  • 8-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
  • Paid day off for your birthday after 1 year of service (8 hours floating holiday)
  • $3,000 relocation benefit for moving to our locations 100+ miles away.
  • $500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
  • Branded gear (vests, hats, flashlights, gauges) and access to yard laptops.
  • Career path: Yard Instructor ? Assistant Lead Instructor ? Lead Instructor ? Regional Manager.

Why Work At 160 Driving Academy?We train the people America runs on. With 90+ yards across 32 states and the highest training volume of any CDL school in the country, we're growing where the industry is growing - which means real career paths for our people, not just our students. If you've spent your career behind the wheel and you're ready to use what you've learned to launch other drivers' careers, we want to talk. 160 Drivers Academy appreciates and supports our nations' great veterans who are strongly encouraged to apply. We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer160 Driving Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Requirements
Our Required Credentials
  • High school graduation certificate or equivalent.
  • Valid Class A CDL with a minimum of 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience. Exception - The State of Nevada requires 5 years of Class A CDL experience.
  • The state where you obtained your driver's license must be the same state where you are applying to work at a 160 Driving Academy location.
  • Manual transmission experience - licensed to operate and able to teach manual transmission.
  • Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) free of violations.
  • Ability to pass DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
  • Background check clearance required.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to mentor and coach students.
  • Basic computer skills for tracking student progress and scheduling.
  • Residence in the state you are applying for, or a confirmed residence secured for relocation.
  • Must meet all state requirements for instructor licensing where instructor licensing is required.
  • 90-day probationary period at hire.

Preferred Experience
  • Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
  • Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or training drivers.
  • Driver Training Instructor certification (we provide guidance and support to obtain it if your state requires it).

Salary Description
$28-$30 Hourly

What 160 Driving Academy employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About 160 Driving Academy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Given the massive shortage of truck drivers in the U.S., the 160 Driving Academy has become a strategic supplier of Human Capital to some of the largest companies in the United States. At the same time, working with government leaders, the 160 Driving Academy has become the largest job creator in numerous cities and states. Run by highly experienced leaders from industry and organizations like Teach for America, the 160 Driving Academy is seeking leaders who are driven, energetic and personable to lead its newest Branch locations.

Industry

Business schools and computer and management training

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Peoria, IL, US

Year founded

2012

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