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Firearms Training Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC

Must have completed an approved and accredited Principles of Instruction course and Firearms Training through FLETC certifying them as an instructor. * Prior experience as an instructor on an FPS ...

NWDTP Instructor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$95K/yr

Must have completed an approved and accredited Principles of Instruction course and Firearms Training through FLETC certifying them as an instructor. * Prior experience as an instructor on an FPS ...

ResponsibilitiesThe Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following ... Firearms instructors must be able to pass an initial firearms proficiency or qualification course ...

Responsibilities The Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following ... Must have successfully completed the Federal Law Enforcement Center's (FLETC) Firearms Instructor ...

Responsibilities The Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following ... Must have successfully completed the Federal Law Enforcement Center's (FLETC) Firearms Instructor ...

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Firearms Training Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$33.4K

$66.5K

$118.4K

How much do firearms training instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearms training instructor in Washington, DC is $66,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firearms training instructor?

Firearms Training Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to safely handle, operate, and maintain firearms. They provide instruction on shooting techniques, firearm laws, and safety protocols for various types of firearms. Instructors work with a range of students, from beginners to advanced shooters, and may prepare individuals for certifications, law enforcement qualifications, or personal defense skills. Their goal is to ensure students develop competence and confidence while prioritizing safety at all times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firearms training instructor?

To thrive as a Firearms Training Instructor, you need in-depth firearms knowledge, safety expertise, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or law enforcement training. Familiarity with range safety systems, shooting simulators, and record-keeping software is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and instructional skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and ensure student understanding. These competencies are vital to promote safe firearm handling, regulatory compliance, and successful skill development for trainees.

What are some common challenges faced by firearms training instructors when working with diverse groups of trainees?

Firearms Training Instructors often work with trainees who have varying levels of experience, confidence, and physical ability. A common challenge is adapting instruction techniques to accommodate beginners while still providing value to more advanced students. Additionally, ensuring safety at all times requires constant vigilance and effective classroom management, especially in larger groups. Instructors must also foster a supportive learning environment to help trainees overcome anxiety or hesitancy around firearms, which can be critical for skill development and confidence.

What is the difference between Firearms Training Instructor vs Security Guard?

AspectFirearms Training InstructorSecurity Guard
CertificationsFirearms safety, instructor certifications, possibly state-specific licensesSecurity officer license, state-specific security training
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, shooting ranges, classroomsClient sites, buildings, outdoor locations
Employer & IndustryTraining companies, law enforcement agencies, private security firmsSecurity firms, private companies, government agencies

While both roles involve safety and security, a Firearms Training Instructor specializes in teaching firearm safety and operation, often requiring instructor certifications and working in training environments. In contrast, a Security Guard focuses on maintaining safety at specific locations, with security licenses and on-site duties. The two roles share some certifications but differ significantly in work setting and responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a firearms training instructor?

Becoming a firearms training instructor typically requires prior experience with firearms, relevant certifications such as NRA instructor certifications, and passing background checks. The process involves completing training courses, gaining teaching skills, and often obtaining state or federal licensing, which can take several months depending on the requirements. Strong communication skills and safety knowledge are essential for success in this role.

How much do firearms training instructors make in the US?

Firearms training instructors in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for private companies, law enforcement, or as independent trainers. Many instructors supplement income through private lessons or specialized certifications. Salaries can vary based on the instructor's credentials and the demand for training services.

What are popular job titles related to Firearms Training Instructor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Firearms Training Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firearms Training Instructor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Firearms Training Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Firearms Training Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,475 per year, or $32 per hour.

Training Instructor (Firearms)

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation's Capital Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, The Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,300 members: approximately 3,700 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation's residents, but also people from all over the world.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits
This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Professional Development Bureau (PDB), Metropolitan Police Academy (MPA). This position trains sworn Metropolitan Police Department personnel, and other personnel as required, in the basic and advanced operation, use, care, maintenance, and control of a variety of law enforcement firearms including semi-automatic weapons, automatic weapons and shotguns.
This incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Researching, developing, revise, and provide firearms instruction for a variety of courses and settings involving pistols and revolvers, shotguns and other shoulder weapons.
Developing lesson plans, training aids, training outlines, tests and course evaluation criteria.
Observing, analyzing, and correcting the firing practices and positions of training participants.
Providing remedial training for training participants who are unable to acquire the basic skills.
Providing written and oral recommendation to training participants regarding their firing performance and their ability to handle weapons in a safe manner.
Researching, reviewing and analyzing job-related professional literature and consults with experts in firearms instruction outside the Police Department in order to collect pertinent information which can be applied to firearms courses of instruction.
Ordering weapons, ammunition, target materials and related firearms equipment, supplies and repairs.
Unloading, carrying, and placing ammunition, weapons, cardboard "backers" for targets, obstacles, target frames, tires and other firearms-related equipment and supplies.
Inspecting, testing fires, repairing and cleaning firearms.
Conducting tests on new product weapons, ammunition and holsters and prepares the evaluation reports.
Maintaining the indoor and outdoor firing range targets, target tracks and target turning systems, electric motors and other firearms-related equipment and structures.
Making arrangements for skilled workers to repair the firearms training equipment as required.
Coordinating work assignments with other firearms instructors, with other staff of the Institute for Police Science and with members of agencies outside the Department when appropriate.
Scheduling all entry-level and in-service firearms instruction.
Maintaining training records for all firearms training participants and a current inventory of available ammunition, weapons, tools, equipment, supplies, and parts.
Preparing narrative and statistical reports and other types of correspondence in order to document work assignments.
Supervising the training development or training administration teams.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Education and Work Experience
Qualifications
Comprehensive knowledge of adult learning theories, principles and practices.
Comprehensive knowledge of basic and advanced firearms training technologies, methods and instructional aids in the areas of target acquisition and firing, emergency malfunction procedures, safety procedures, and weapons maintenance.
Comprehensive knowledge of the operation, maintenance, servicing, repair, and proper and safe use of firearms used in law enforcement including pistols and revolvers, shotguns, and other shoulder weapons.
Working knowledge of indoor and outdoor firearms firing range equipment and training procedures.
Ability to prepare accurate and coherent written reports.
Ability to present oral instructions, lectures and training to individuals and to small! and large groups.
Ability to motivate training participants to acquire the content of the training program.
Ability to develop, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate training programs and procedures.
Ability to be creative and resourceful in carrying out work assignments.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of tests and other types of training-related data.
Ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and superiors at all levels of the Department and with employees of outside agencies.
Ability to work under adverse and dangerous conditions.
Skilled in the operation of a personal computer and the software used in firearms training.
Skilled in the operation of the weapons used in law enforcement including pistols and revolvers, shotguns and other shoulder weapons.
Skilled in the presentation of firearms training within a law enforcement environment.
Skilled in the operation of indoor and outdoor firearms (range) training equipment.
Education
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major Study-education or subject area related to the position to be filled.
Work Experience
Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-09 grade level, or its non-District equivalent, gained from public or private sector. Examples of specialized experience for this position include: applying adult learning theories, principles, and practices; using firearms training technologies, methods and instructional aids in the areas of target acquisition and firing, emergency malfunction procedures, safety procedures, and weapons maintenance; understanding operation, maintenance, servicing, repair, and proper and safe use of firearms used in law enforcement; preparing accurate and coherent written reports; presenting oral instructions, lectures and training; operating a personal computer and the software used in firearms training; and operating of indoor and outdoor firearms (range) training equipment.
Licensures, Certifications and other requirements
Firearms Instructor Certification, NRA Instructor Certification or comparable is required.
Work Environment
The work is performed in a typical office setting, in training rooms, and in the outdoor and indoor firearms training ranges.
Other Significant Factors
Promotion potential:
No Know Promotion Potential
Collective Bargaining Unit:
This Training Instructor (Firearms) position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.
Position Suitability
This position is deemed as Safety Sensitive pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening and criminal background check (pre-employment and periodic), individuals may be subject to the following checks and tests: Traffic record check (as applicable);
  1. Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
  2. Consumer credit check (as applicable);
  3. Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
  4. Random drug and alcohol test;
  5. Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
  6. Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

Due to the sensitive nature of work performed within the Metropolitan Police Department, all selected candidates must undergo and successfully complete and enhanced background investigation, including criminal history and credit checks, as a condition of employment.
Residency Preference
Applicants claiming Residency Preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity EEO (Statement)
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
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