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Weapon Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons Based Instructors deliver training in support of the Navy's AT and Weapons Training Program. This includes the following courses of instruction: Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI)

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 ...

Weapon Systems Instructor

West End, NC · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Weapon Systems Instructor - Level I serves as a frontline instructor and field representative for Kraken Kinetics, responsible for delivering standardized training programs supporting Kraken ...

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Weapon Instructor information

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How much do weapon instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 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.

Can you make money as a firearms instructor?

A firearms instructor can earn income by providing training sessions, private lessons, and certification courses, often working for shooting ranges, security firms, or independently. Income varies based on experience, location, certifications, and the number of clients served, with some instructors supplementing income through online courses or specialized training. Successful instructors typically hold relevant certifications and maintain a strong reputation in the industry.

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 $70,000, especially if they work for security firms, shooting ranges, or law enforcement agencies, and often require certification and safety training credentials.

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.

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-specific instructor courses, and passing background checks. The process involves training in safety, teaching methods, and legal regulations, and may take several weeks to months depending on the program and individual preparedness.

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. Certified instructors with specialized skills or working for private security firms may earn higher wages, and many work part-time or on a freelance basis.
More about Weapon Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapon Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Weapon Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Weapon Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapon Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapon Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Weapons Based Instructor I

Weapons Based Instructor I

Armada Ltd

Chesapeake, VA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Type: Full Time

Location: Chesapeake, VA

Overtime Exempt: No (SCA)

Reports to: ARMADA HQ


Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Weapons Based Instructors deliver training in support of the Navy's AT and Weapons Training Program. This includes the following courses of instruction: Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI); Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP); Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A); Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B); Submarine Force Sentry (SUBFOR Sentry); Submarine Force Crew Served Weapons Instructor (SUBFOR CSWI); Crew Served Weapons Operations and Maintenance (CSW O&M); Crew Served Weapons Instructor (CSWI); Non-Lethal Weapons Basic instructor (NLW-BI); Non-Lethal Weapons Senior Instructor (NLW-SI);; Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure Boarding Officer (VBSS BO); and Non-Compliant Boarding, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (NCB VBSS).

Basic Instructor Qualifications:

  • Weapons Based Instructors shall support delivery of CENSECFOR AT/NSF Course of Instruction in accordance with the contract PWS including the instructional, operational, and administrative tasks required to deliver formalized training.
  • Instructor personnel are expected to be ready to teach the content assigned to them and can pass any tests associated with that content consistent with the standards of the contractor's internal quality assurance plan.
  • All instructors shall be familiar with all presentation, delivery method, testing and remediation procedures, curriculum, training aids, devices, electronic podiums, and equipment operation and maintenance procedures associated with the course or section of the course they will instruct.

In addition to those general instructor requirements, Weapons-Based 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 Weapons (SAMI) Instructor.
  • For instructors who have the Non-Compliant Boarding, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (NCB VBSS) course assigned as their primary course, possess or be able to qualify as a Second Class Swimmer in accordance with NETC P1552/16 (Navy Swimming and Water Survival Instructors Manual).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

All instructor personnel shall possess the instructional qualifications contained within this Section. 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).
  • Civilian Security Force.
  • Possess a basic understanding of Military/Civilian Security Force techniques.
  • Be qualified as a Small Arms Weapons (SAMI) Instructor.

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
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Evaluation and Feedback.

Physical Fitness Standards:

  • The CENSECFOR courses of instruction require 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. Fitness standards are sustained throughout their employment. Instructors shall sign a Statement of Understanding acknowledging the above requirements.

Minimum Education:

  • GED/HS Diploma

Applying: If you feel you have the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position visit our careers page at www.armadausa.com.

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.