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Weapon Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CTI

Instructor/SME

Holloman Air Force Base, NM

Weapon Instructor Course (WIC)) IAW AETCI 36-2604, Flying Training Instructor Programs (para 1.5, Chap 2) prior to instructing IAW AFMAN 11-210, Instrument Refresher Program (IRP) (Para 2.2, 3.0) all ...

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How much do weapon instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapon instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Glock firearms instructors make?

Glock firearms instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of training provided. Full-time instructors may have annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, often supplemented by certifications and specialized skills in firearm safety and handling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Weapon Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapon Instructor, you need extensive knowledge of firearms operation, safety procedures, and instructional techniques, often supported by relevant certifications and experience in law enforcement or the military. Familiarity with modern weapons systems, simulation equipment, and range management software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and leadership abilities help create an effective and safe learning environment. These skills are critical to ensuring trainees gain competency while minimizing risks associated with weapon handling.

What is a Weapon Instructor job?

A Weapon Instructor is responsible for training individuals in the safe handling, operation, and maintenance of various firearms and weapon systems. They develop lesson plans, conduct live-fire exercises, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Weapon Instructors may work for military, law enforcement, private security firms, or civilian training programs. Their role requires expertise in weapons, instructional skills, and a strong focus on safety.

What are the most common daily responsibilities of a Weapon Instructor?

As a Weapon Instructor, your typical day involves conducting training sessions on weapon operation, maintenance, and safety protocols for individuals or groups. You will demonstrate proper handling techniques, supervise live-fire exercises, and assess trainee proficiency through both written and practical evaluations. Collaboration with other instructors, maintaining inventory of training materials, and ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations are also regular duties. This role requires adaptability, as lessons and sessions must be tailored to the needs and skill levels of your trainees.

Do you need a degree to be a firearm instructor?

A degree is not typically required to become a firearm instructor; instead, relevant certifications, such as NRA or state-specific training, are essential. Experience with firearms, safety knowledge, and teaching skills are also important qualifications 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 the type of training provided. Many work for private shooting ranges, law enforcement agencies, or offer private lessons, often requiring certification and safety training credentials.

How long does it take to be a gun instructor?

Becoming a weapon instructor typically requires completing a certified training program, which can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the certification level and jurisdiction. Candidates often need prior firearm experience, pass written and practical exams, and obtain relevant licenses or certifications before instructing others.
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Weapon Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 29% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Tactical Weapons/AT Leadership Inst I

Tactical Weapons/AT Leadership Inst I

Armada Ltd

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Type: Full Time

Location: Chesapeake, VA

Overtime Exempt: No (SCA)

Reports to: ARMADA HQ

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Delivery of advanced level high-risk training in many of CENSECFOR's courses of instruction requires instructors that possess highly specialized skills and experience. Tactical Weapons-based instructors deliver training in support the following courses of instruction:
    • Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) (A-041-0148)
    • Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP) (A-830-0034)
    • Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A) (A-830-0396)
    • Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B) (A-830-0018)
    • Non-Lethal Weapons Basic instructor (NLW-BI) (A-830-0035)
    • Non-Lethal Weapons Senior Instructor (NLW-SI) (A-830-0038)
    • Submarine Force Sentry (SUBFOR Sentry) (A-830-0028)
    • Master at Arms, Class A (MAA) (A-830-0011) (NTTC Lackland only) and Non-Compliant Boarding, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (NCB VBSS) (A-830-0395)
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

All instructors shall possess one of the following:

  • Have attended the Navy Instructor Training Course (NITC) (A-012-0077) (or military service equivalent)
  • Academic credentialing (teacher/professor)
  • Instructor training via an academic institution. Academic ITC requirements should contain, at a minimum, the following Learning Objectives:
    • Effective communication and questioning techniques
    • Adult learning theory and principles
    • Instructional Delivery methods
    • Lesson delivery performance laboratory
    • Training environment management
    • Inter-personal skills
    • Evaluation and Feedback

These courses are designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to perform specialized functions within their command's Antiterrorism and/or Weapons Programs Instructors shall:

  • Possess at least two years of past military experience in a weapons-carrying and employment operational environment or equivalent experience as a Law Enforcement officer with a military or civilian security force.
  • Possess a basic understanding of Military/Civilian Security Force techniques.
  • Be qualified as a Small Arms Weapon's Instructor.
  • A minimum of four (4) Weapons-Based Course Instructors must be qualified as crew served weapons instructors (Det Chesapeake only). Two (2) of these CSW instructors must be qualified CSWI RSOs.

These courses are designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to perform specialized functions within their command's Force Protection and/or Weapons Programs. Tactical Weapons-based instructors shall:

  • Possess a minimum of five (5) years documented armed tactical military operational experience involving:
    • Basic Tactical Communications
    • Small Arms (Rifle and Pistol) Employment
    • Tactical Shooting
    • Mission Planning
    • Tactical Movement
    • Defensive Tactics
    • Non-lethal weapons employment
    • Tactical Hostile Intent Decision Making (Shoot/Don't Shoot)
  • Tactical Weapons-based instructors are responsible for demonstrating modern dynamic combat shooting skills.
  • These instructors will deliver a wide variety of training topics, as well as providing instructional and safety support for live-fire weapons training.
  • In addition, all tactical weapons-based instructors must be skilled operators of pistol, rifle and shotgun, and must be and capable of achieving a "Sharpshooter" qualification score with each weapon and meet OPNAVINST 3591.1(series) qualifying scores in all applicable courses of fire.
  • Tactical Weapons instruction requires instructors who possess the fitness and conditioning to support the level of instruction.
  • Instructors shall be personally capable of performing all training evolutions including the ability to effectively complete weapons qualifications in the standing, kneeling and prone positions, ascend or descend ladders and go through narrow passageways, and be free of any abnormal fear of heights.
  • Additionally, Tactical Weapons-based Instructor personnel are tasked with Judgment-based Engagement Training (JET) Instruction.
  • JET training requires highly qualified, tactically astute instructors possessing experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required to coach students through dynamic use of force decision-making training utilizing Small-Arms Marksmanship Simulation (SAWS).
  • JET training encompasses:
    • Decision-making during high stress tactical situations or deadly force confrontations
    • Recognizing compliant/non-compliant threat, non-compliant threat response, response using appropriate level of force, legally & tactically; understanding psycho-physiological reactions inherent in life threatening encounters, high stress tactical situations or deadly force confrontations
    • Tachy-psyche (Tachypsychia) effect (Fight or Flight), increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, loss of fine motor skills or control, "Tunnel vision" (loss of peripheral vision) , auditory exclusion, time distortion (skewed perception of time or space)
    • Compensating techniques that mitigate psycho-physiological responses
    • Stress inoculation
    • Muscle memory
    • Practical exercises and scenario driven interactive simulation
    • Force-on-Force training w/ Simunitions.
Minimum Education and Experience:
  • GED/HS Diploma

Disclaimer:

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the contractor assigned to this position.

Special Notes: Relocation is not available for these jobs.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. ARMADA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Must be able to successfully pass a background check, and pre-employment drug testing. Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.