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Gun Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$62K - $81K/yr

... Training Instructor and Program Manager Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Develop ... with the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended 30 Sep 96. * Employee must sign DD Form 2760 ...

Entry-Level Engineer

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

JSL is seeking an Entry-Level Engineer to provide support for the Modular Guns Weapons System (MGWS ... Conduct Mission Module training, to ship personnel, contractors, and instructors. Assist with the ...

$70K - $82K/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 ...

Gun Instructor information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do gun instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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 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.

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 should have a strong knowledge of firearm safety, handling, and local laws, as well as practical teaching skills; the process can take several weeks to months depending on the program and jurisdiction.

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 cities in California are hiring for Gun Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Gun Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Gun Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,525 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Travis Air Force Base, CA • On-site

$133K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at the 349th AIR MOBILITY WG with the military rank of Lt Col/0-5, AFSC: 011M3Y . For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
EXPERIENCE:
No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
GS-13:Must have logged 2,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student time), or 1,300 hours Primary Flight Time (i.e. primary, secondary, instructor, and evaluator time) or Instructor Pilot time. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge, skill, ability, and experience as a rated pilot on flying status in the Unit Mission Aircraft,
2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
3. Knowledge of established safety principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, related to overall military safety programs.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to independently plan and organize work, and meet deadlines.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:
1. The incumbent must be a rated instructor/evaluator aircrew member (pilot) on flying status in unit to which attached. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position. Incumbent must participate in regular and frequent flights, as required by the unit commander.
2. This position is that of a management official. In this capacity, the incumbent is required to formulate, determine or influence policies of the unit to which assigned.
3. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
4. As necessary to meet special and/or essential unscheduled flying missions, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty, with brief advance notice.
5. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART; however, the incumbent is assigned non-ART duties not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities. As necessary, to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice.
6. This position is designated as a mobility position. The incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC.
7. This is a testing designated position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing.
8. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER

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