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Martial Arts Instructor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Premier Martial Arts

Martial Arts Instructor

Apex, NC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The head instructor at a Premier Martial Arts location is someone who is passionate about changing lives through day-to-day martial arts instruction. An outgoing and leadership-driven personality is ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site +1

$30K - $40K/yr

Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic ... rank of Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, commensurate with ...

All JobsMartial Arts Instructor JobsMartial Arts Instructor Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Martial Arts Instructor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$22.8K

$44K

$67.6K

How much do martial arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for martial arts instructor in Raleigh, NC is $44,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $46,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do martial arts instructors make in the US?

Martial arts instructors in the US typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work at a school, gym, or independently. Salaries can vary widely based on certifications, class size, and additional income from private lessons or tournaments.

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

To thrive as a Martial Arts Instructor, you need advanced proficiency in a martial arts discipline, teaching certifications, and often a black belt or equivalent ranking. Familiarity with training equipment, safety protocols, and class management systems is typical for this role. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and motivational abilities help instructors connect with students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills ensure effective instruction, student progress, and a safe, engaging class experience.

What are martial arts instructors?

Martial arts instructors are professionals who teach various forms of martial arts, such as karate, taekwondo, judo, or kung fu, to individuals or groups. They design lesson plans, demonstrate techniques, and ensure students practice safely. Instructors also help students develop discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and self-defense skills. They may work with people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

What are some common challenges Martial Arts Instructors face when teaching students of varying skill levels in the same class?

Martial Arts Instructors often work with students whose abilities range from beginners to advanced within a single class. Balancing lesson plans to ensure everyone is engaged and challenged can be difficult. Instructors usually address this by breaking the class into smaller groups or providing tiered drills, allowing advanced students to mentor beginners. Patience and adaptability are key, as is clear communication to ensure all students progress safely and feel supported.

What Does a Martial Arts Instructor Do?

As a martial arts instructor, you are responsible for conducting daily classes for martial arts students. You may also be asked to answer telephone calls and emails, schedule trial classes, greet students and parents, maintain student records, and manage billing. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the dojo or training group that you work for. Also, if you own your own martial arts academy, you will be responsible for all aspects of running a business.

How much does a karate instructor earn?

Karate instructors' earnings vary based on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a martial arts school. On average, they earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with some earning more through private lessons or advanced certifications. Many instructors supplement income by teaching multiple classes or offering private training sessions.

What is the difference between Martial Arts Instructor vs Personal Trainer?

AspectMartial Arts InstructorPersonal Trainer
CertificationsMartial arts belts, instructor certificationsFitness certifications (e.g., NASM, ACE)
Work EnvironmentDojo, martial arts schools, gymsGyms, fitness centers, private studios
Industry UsageTeaching martial arts techniques and disciplineDesigning and guiding personalized fitness programs

Both roles require certifications and involve working in fitness or training environments. A Martial Arts Instructor focuses on teaching martial arts skills and discipline, often in dojos or martial arts schools, while a Personal Trainer emphasizes personalized fitness plans in gyms or private settings. While their certifications differ, both aim to improve clients' physical abilities and confidence.

How to become a martial art instructor?

To become a martial arts instructor, you typically need to have extensive experience and proficiency in a martial art, obtain relevant certifications or black belt rankings, and complete instructor training programs. Many employers also require CPR certification and a background check, and some may prefer candidates with teaching experience or a related fitness background.

What is the highest paying martial art?

Martial arts instructors specializing in high-demand disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or private coaching often earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Income varies based on location, reputation, and the ability to attract students, with some instructors earning six-figure salaries through private lessons, seminars, and competition coaching.
More about Martial Arts Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Martial Arts Instructor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Martial Arts Instructor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Martial Arts Instructor jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Martial Arts Instructor job openings:
Martial Arts Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Martial Arts Instructor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,042 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Martial Arts Instructor

Premier Martial Arts

Morrisville, NC • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks:
  • 401K available after one year of employment
  • Paid Training
  • Paid Vacation
  • Continuing education and opportunities for career growth
  • Work-Life Balance (no Sundays)
  • 1st-3rd Krav Maga Specific Ranks Available
    • Sport-Weapons- Bo Staff, Nunchucks, Escrima Stick, Kamas, Sword, Double Nunchuks
  • Premier Martial Arts Ranking: We provide hands-on martial arts training to both black belts and color belts
    • Karate
    • Sport Karate
    • Tae-Kwon-Do
    • Kali
    • Submission Grappling
  • Upward Mobility Available:
    • Manager
    • Multi-Unit Manager
    • Regional Manager
    • Owner
  • Quarterly Live Events Held Across The Nation:
    • Curriculum Colleges
    • Certified Instructor Training Courses
    • Annual Awards Dinner
    • Annual Conference with Outside Guest Speakers

Premier Martial Arts IS GROWING! Our West Cary, NC location is booming, and we have opened our NEW location in Holly Springs, NC. We have many reviews resulting in a 5 out of 5 stars rating at our current West Cary Location. Check it out! Our current West Cary Location has a team of three martial arts instructors that have very successfully built the business over the last three plus years. We value our team members and a balanced approach to empowering people's lives. Because we are growing, we are looking to add a fun, dynamic, outgoing, energetic person to our team! If you have the desire to teach GREAT martial arts, help others succeed and grow as well as grow YOUR CAREER, we may be a perfect fit for you!
Job Summary:
The instructor at a Premier Martial Arts location is someone who is passionate about changing lives through day-to-day martial arts instruction. An outgoing and leadership-driven personality is a must. A person who can not only teach but more importantly inspire others to be the best version of themselves is required. A PMA instructor utilizes the tools given to them to impact as many people as possible, is always a student and never lets their ego get the best of them. A learning attitude is key to the success of this position.
Responsibilities:
  • Providing A+ Quality of Class Instruction:
  • Instruction of 5-6 High Energy, Benefit Driven, and "educating" classes daily
  • Customer Relations with the students and parents
  • Curriculum Testing of Students
  • Marketing
  • Appointment Setting
  • Events- Birthday Parties, Parent's Night Out

Qualifications:
  • Prior Martial Arts Experience
  • Black Belt Certificate not mandatory but a plus
  • Organized-Self Starter
  • Service First Mentality

Premier Martial Arts Tournament Circuit for Students and Instructors
Curriculum
Our curriculum focuses on character development far beyond the importance of self-defense. We teach our young students how to respect their elders, how to be accountable, how to focus and how to stay in shape in a fun and exciting atmosphere. We empower our adult students with the self-confidence to overcome anxieties and trauma, in an environment that fosters inclusion and social belonging.
If you are interested in working for a martial arts company dedicated to your growth and success, all while being able to impact your community, look no further!
Premier Martial Arts has the vision, the tools, and infrastructure to support your martial arts professional dreams!
Compensation: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour
Premier Martial Arts, where your passion for martial arts meets business success!
At Premier Martial Arts we feel that it's time for martial arts instructors to have a real opportunity to grow in the martial arts industry as a true professional.
WHAT IS PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS?
With more than 100+ locations across the U.S., Premier Martial Arts empowers thousands of students of all ages on a daily basis. While our approach to martial arts focuses on a combination of techniques found in these effective disciplines: Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kali, Premier Martial Arts goes above and beyond the punching and kicking by focusing on self-improvement.
Our students learn concepts and receive coaching in concentration, goal setting, self-discipline, and confidence that help to keep them on track in life. Our students get to have their personal trainer and success coach all in one.
You see, as martial arts instructors, we have a unique ability to help our youth students during such an influential time of their lives. This means we must take great pride in our education to maximize our potential as educators, communicators, instructors, and community leaders. As for our adult members, we must expand our knowledge in real-world self-defense and fitness to lead them to a more fulfilled and fearless life.
If you are interested in working for a martial arts company dedicated to your growth and success, all while being able to impact your community, look no further!
Premier Martial Arts has the vision, the tools, and infrastructure to support your martial arts professional dreams!
START YOUR CAREER WITH PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS TODAY!
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Premier Martial Arts Corporate.

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