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Weapons Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BGI (Ohio)

F-16 Instructor/SME

Tucson, AZ

... weapons employment. These specific areas coincide with assigned areas of responsibility and are the ... Instructor - Be available during duty hours to answer student training questions - Conduct ...

IQUASAR LLC

$350K - $400K/yr

On-site This is a full-time position as a F-16 Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) Instructor Pilot. As an F-16 WIC instructor and Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will provide academic training and ...

iQuasar LLC

$350K - $400K/yr

On-site This is a full-time position as a F-16 Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) Instructor Pilot. As an F-16 WIC instructor and Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will provide academic training and ...

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How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons 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.

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

To thrive as a Weapons Instructor, you need extensive firearms knowledge, instructional experience, and relevant certifications such as NRA instructor credentials or military training backgrounds. Proficiency in using firearms simulators, range safety systems, and training management software is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for effectively teaching and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are critical for delivering safe, effective instruction and maintaining high standards of competency in weapons handling.

What are some common challenges Weapons Instructors face when training individuals with varying experience levels?

Weapons Instructors often work with trainees who have a wide range of backgrounds, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. One major challenge is adapting teaching methods to accommodate different learning speeds and styles while ensuring safety remains the top priority. Instructors must balance hands-on demonstrations, classroom instruction, and real-life scenario training to maximize understanding and retention. Effective communication and patience are essential, as is the ability to quickly assess and address knowledge gaps or safety concerns in a group setting.

What is a Weapons Instructor?

A Weapons Instructor is a trained professional responsible for teaching individuals or groups how to safely operate, maintain, and handle various types of weapons, such as firearms or military equipment. They often work with military personnel, law enforcement officers, or private security teams to ensure proper weapons use, safety protocols, and marksmanship. Weapons Instructors may also develop training programs, conduct live-fire exercises, and evaluate proficiency. Their expertise is crucial in minimizing accidents and increasing the effectiveness of those handling weapons.

What is the difference between Weapons Instructor vs Firearms Instructor?

AspectWeapons InstructorFirearms Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires military or law enforcement firearms training, certifications in weapons handlingRequires firearm safety and training certifications, often NRA or state-specific
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, law enforcement agencies, security training facilitiesGun ranges, training centers, law enforcement agencies, civilian training programs
Employer & IndustryMilitary, law enforcement, security companiesPrivate firearms training schools, law enforcement, civilian shooting ranges

While both roles involve firearm training, a Weapons Instructor typically has a broader scope, including tactical and combat skills, often within military or law enforcement contexts. A Firearms Instructor mainly focuses on safety, marksmanship, and firearm handling for civilians or law enforcement. The key difference lies in the scope of training and the work environment.

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Weapons Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Weapons based Instructor, CENSECFOR Det Chesapeake, VA

Weapons based Instructor, CENSECFOR Det Chesapeake, VA

Armada Ltd

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$52.20K - $68.60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Type: Full-time (Temporary and/or Permanent)

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 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).

Weapons Based Instructor.

  • 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.
  • 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).

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.
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.
Minimum Education:
  • GED/HS Diploma

Applying: At Armada Ltd., we're constantly on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. By applying now, you'll be part of our talent pipeline, ready to step into future vacancies as they arise. This proactive approach ensures that we have the best candidates on standby for upcoming roles. If you're interested in being considered for potential future openings, we encourage you to submit your application today! 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.