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Gun Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Gun Instructor information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do gun instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for gun instructor in Minnesota is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a firearms instructor?

Becoming a firearms instructor typically requires prior experience with firearms, relevant certifications such as NRA or state-approved instructor courses, and passing background checks. The process involves training in safety, teaching skills, and often ongoing education to maintain certification standards.

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 are Gun Instructors?

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.

Can you make money as a firearms instructor?

A firearms instructor can earn income through private lessons, group training, and certification courses. Earnings vary based on experience, location, and client base, with some instructors working independently or for shooting ranges and security firms. Successful instructors often hold relevant certifications and develop a strong reputation to increase their income potential.

What are some 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 much do firearms instructors make in the US?

Firearms instructors in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a training company or independently. Many instructors supplement income through private lessons, certifications, and specialized training programs.

How long does it take to be a gun instructor?

Becoming a gun instructor typically requires completing a certified training course that can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the program and jurisdiction. Candidates usually need to obtain relevant firearm safety certifications and gain experience with firearms before qualifying as instructors.

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

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 popular job titles related to Gun Instructor jobs in Minnesota? For Gun Instructor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Gun Instructor jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Gun Instructor job openings:
Account Executive - St. Cloud, Minnesota

Account Executive - St. Cloud, Minnesota

Delta Defense

Saint Cloud, MN

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Account Executive (Outside Sales) 

Delta Defense / U.S. Concealed Carry Association — hiring for St. Cloud, Minnesota

We protect the protectors. 

If you're looking for a 9-to-5, a desk, or a quota spreadsheet to hide behind, this isn't that. This is a calling — not a sales job.

At Delta Defense, we stand for something bigger than a product. We believe the inalienable right to self-defense is fundamental to freedom. We believe in personal responsibility, training, and protecting the people we love. And we exist for the millions of responsible American gun owners — and those who may one day legally defend themselves — who take that responsibility seriously.

Delta Defense is the private company behind the marketing, operations, and customer service of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) — an organization dedicated to safeguarding the life, freedom, and finances of responsibly armed Americans. As an Outside Sales Account Executive, you carry that mission into every parking lot, range, retailer, and training room you step into. 

The reality of this role

Most days, you’ll be earning attention before you earn the sale.

You may stand up at the end of a concealed carry class in front of people who just spent several hours learning how to carry responsibly. They may be tired. They may be unsure whether USCCA Membership is right for them. They may not yet understand the value you’re there to share.

You’ll visit ranges, retailers, and training partners where people have heard plenty of sales pitches before. Your job is not to push harder. It’s to build trust, ask good questions, understand what matters to them, and earn the right to be heard.

That’s what makes this role different. It’s face-to-face, relationship-driven, and credibility-first — especially with firearms instructors, range owners, and everyday Americans who care deeply about self-defense, personal responsibility, and financial freedom.

If you’re a responsible gun owner who enjoys being at the range, talking gear and training, and helping others protect themselves, you’ll bring instant authenticity. If you're new to the space but eager to learn the community, be honest about that too — people here respect humility, curiosity, and follow-through far more than a memorized pitch.

What the best AEs on this team actually sound like

Our top AEs don't sound like sales reps. They sound like:

  • The instructor's peer — because they've sat in the class themselves, cleaned the same gun, and earned the instructor's trust before ever pitching.
  • The neighbor at the range — the one who answers a real question plainly, without turning every conversation into a close.
  • The educator — walking a first-time carrier through “what happens if…” in a way that respects their intelligence and their concern.
  • The trusted advisor — the one instructors refer their students to, because they've seen how you handle people.
  • The quiet closer — who knows when to stop talking and let the member decide. The solution fits the person, not just the pipeline.

They didn't jump to the answer. They acknowledged what was going on. They took time to discover what mattered. They made the person feel heard. Then they influenced the outcome — guiding, simplifying, and building confidence.

That's not a script. That's how great AEs operate. And that's the bar.

Territory, Schedule & Travel

Current Opening in St. Cloud, Minnesota

This role requires evenings and weekends, aligned with when range classes actually run and retail activity is alive. You'll have flexibility during the day — but not a traditional 9–5.

Travel: approximately 70% within your territory. Home every night, with minimal exceptions.

    What you'll do
    • Build a strong local presence by developing real relationships with gun ranges, firearms retailers, instructors, and small business partners in your territory.
    • Deliver engaging group presentations — often after concealed carry classes — that share the USCCA story without sounding like a commercial.
    • Educate individuals on training, education, and self-defense liability protection as responsibly armed Americans.
    • Close USCCA memberships using ethical, consultative sales techniques that respect the member.
    • Own and grow your territory pipeline — prospecting, nurturing, and showing up consistently.
    • Deliver an outstanding member experience every step of the way — because the relationship doesn't end at the sale.
    Compensation & EarningsBase Pay
    • $70,000/year
    • Guaranteed for your first 12 months
    Commission
    • 12% flat commission
    • Applies to:
      • New USCCA memberships (Gold, Platinum, Elite)
      • Spousal add-ons
    • Commissions become payable after the member remains active for 90 days
    • Paid on the 10th of the 4th month after the sale
      • Example: January sale → Paid May 10
      Additional Benefits
      • Mileage reimbursement + tax-free car allowance
      • $50/month cell phone allowance
      • Company-provided computer equipment & branded apparel
      • Opportunity to earn a Top Shots sales trip (taxable)
      • Robust insurance package:
        • Medical, Dental, Vision
        • HSA & FSA
        • Life, STD, LTD
      • 23 days PTO
      • 8 company holidays
      • Paid annual volunteer service day
      • Tuition reimbursement
      What We’re Looking ForRequired
      • High school diploma or GED
      • Ability to pass State Property & Casualty Insurance exam (training provided)
      • Strong professionalism, discretion, and integrity
      • Self-driven, organized, and accountable
      Preferred
      • Field or outside sales experience
      • Proven territory growth through prospecting and pipeline management
      • Confident, persuasive presentation skills
      • Strong closing ability
      • Experience in the firearms industry highly desirable
      • Firearms instructor certification—or interest in becoming certified
      • Basic proficiency with Salesforce and Google Workspace

      Our commitment to you

      If you’re selected for this role, you’ll receive the tools, coaching, and support you need to succeed. To set you up for a strong start, you’ll complete a required, paid training program that runs for the first 5 weeks. Training includes on-site orientation at company headquarters, self-paced learning, and a blend of virtual and in-person instructor-led classroom training. Because the training builds week to week, you’ll need to be fully available throughout the program.

      Why Work at Delta Defense?

      Because culture matters—and ours is legit.

      • Fast-paced, mission-driven, and genuinely fun
      • #25 on The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Top 100 America’s Most Loved Workplaces
      • Newsweek Top 100 America’s Most Loved Workplaces (2023 & 2024)
      • Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Private Companies” – 14 years in a row

      Most importantly, your work here actually matters.

      You’ll help Americans protect themselves, their families, and their freedoms—every single day.

      Learn more & apply:  https://www.deltadefense.com/careers

      PM19