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Gun Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

$131K - $171K/yr

Position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control ... Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of ...

Air Combat Command

$67K - $78K/yr

... instructor responsible for planning, designing, instructing, evaluating and maintaining continuity ... with the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended 30 Sep 96 Employee must sign DD Form 2760 ...

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Gun Instructor information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do gun instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for gun instructor in California is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gun instructor?

Gun Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to safely handle, operate, and maintain firearms. They provide instruction on firearm laws, responsible ownership, marksmanship, and safety protocols. Gun Instructors often work in shooting ranges, law enforcement agencies, or private organizations, and may help students prepare for licensing exams or concealed carry permits. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that students are competent and confident in handling firearms while prioritizing safety at all times.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a gun instructor?

To thrive as a Gun Instructor, you need extensive firearms knowledge, safety expertise, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or state-specific licenses. Familiarity with firearms training simulators, range safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is also important. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness help instructors effectively teach diverse students and maintain a safe learning environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring responsible gun handling, safety compliance, and positive training outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by gun instructors during training sessions?

Gun instructors often encounter challenges such as varying student experience levels, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and adapting teaching methods to different learning styles. Managing group dynamics and maintaining focus during live-fire exercises can also be demanding. Successful instructors are skilled at creating a supportive environment while consistently reinforcing safety and responsible firearm handling, making adaptability and strong communication essential traits for the role.

What is the difference between Gun Instructor vs Firearms Trainer?

AspectGun InstructorFirearms Trainer
CertificationsState-specific firearm safety and instructor certificationsSimilar certifications, often including NRA or state licenses
Work EnvironmentGun ranges, training facilities, outdoor settingsGun ranges, private training, security training environments
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, civilian firearm safety, shooting schoolsMilitary, law enforcement, civilian self-defense, security

Gun Instructors and Firearms Trainers often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on firearm safety and shooting skills. The main difference lies in their typical employment sectors and specific training focus, with Gun Instructors more commonly associated with civilian and recreational shooting, while Firearms Trainers may work more broadly in security and law enforcement contexts.

How hard is it to become a gun instructor?

Becoming a gun instructor typically requires obtaining relevant certifications, such as a firearms instructor license or certification from a recognized agency, which involves completing training courses and passing exams. Candidates often need prior shooting experience, a clean background check, and sometimes a certain amount of practical teaching hours, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual skills and preparation.

What are popular job titles related to Gun Instructor jobs in California?

For Gun Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gun Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Gun Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Gun Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Gun Instructor job openings:

Gun Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gun Instructor job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,525 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Small Arms Instructor

Port Hueneme Cbc Base, CA

Topsarge Business Solutions
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Topsarge Business Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Small Arms Instructor -Delivers dynamic weapons instruction for small-arms and crew-served weapons in accordance with the COMNECC 3591 series Small Arms Training and Qualification instruction. Provides instructional and training support for Rifle CAT II, Pistol CAT II, Line Coach, Shotgun, M-203-LAB, CSW-LAB, and other Government-directed small-arms and crew-served weapons training. Delivers weapons instruction on the service pistol, service rifle, and crew-served weapons, including the M2, M203, M9, M18, M11, M4, and M16, in accordance with COMNECC 3591-series training and qualification standards. Provides instruction on weapons safety, basic weapons fundamentals, basic rifle marksmanship, battlesight zero (BZO), known- and unknown-distance firing out to 300 meters, and weapons qualification. Provides instruction on intermediate shooter mechanics, shooting on the move, use of barricades and cover, and practical application of individual- and unit-level small-arms skills. Performs small-arms weapons instruction and qualification support in classroom, synthetic, and live-fire environments. Provides Government-directed CIN and non-CIN small-arms training support,

including service as line coaches and practical safety observers. Travel to other locations to support small-arms instruction.

  • Be formally trained as a small-arms instructor through a military Service or a small-arms instructor course recognized by a Federal agency and be qualified in rifle and pistol.
  • Meet Navy High-Risk Training requirements in accordance with OPNAVINST 1500.75 series.
  • Possess current CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), and First Aid certifications.
  • Complete the required physical and physiological examination prior to or within 90 days of hire.
  • Be familiar with the presentation and instructional procedures, curriculum, training aids, devices, and equipment operations and maintenance procedures
  • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (NEC 9502) or an equivalent civilian or commercial course that has been evaluated and certified as a Joint Instructor Training/Navy Instructor Training Course equivalent by CPPD.
  • Three years of Armed Forces, law-enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics, or former active-duty experience involving enhanced shooting techniques.
  • One year of instructional experience.
  • Graduation from SAMI, Blackwater, MidSouth Shooting Institute, Gryphon, SFAUC, MCAUC, or an equivalent small-arms weapons training course is preferred.
  • Technical knowledge of the following weapons systems:
    • M9 pistol – required
    • M18 pistol – required
    • M4/M16 variant – required
    • M240 – preferred
    • M2 .50 caliber machine gun – preferred
    • M500 shotgun – preferred

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