ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weapons Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lukos

Close Combat Weapons Instructor

Coronado, CA · On-site

Job Objective Instructor tasks are to instruct activities related to Close Quarters Combat (NTTP 3-05.24) and Special Operations in Urban Combat (SOUC) skills and tactics emphasizing target ...

Lukos

Close Combat Weapons Instructor

Coronado, CA · On-site

Close Quarters Combat Instructor Minimum Qualifications Summary Certification & Education Refer to Responsibilities and Experience sections. Experience Required Preferred experience as a RSO for ...

O Gara Training & Services LLC

Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

... Weapons Operations and Maintenance (OM) and Instructor qualification Compensation: There are multiple positions available. These will be filled by qualified fulltime employees (FTE). O'Gara offers a ...

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

This position is typically represented by an experienced military USAF/USN/USMC Weapons Systems ... Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWeapons Instructor JobsWeapons Instructor Jobs in California

Weapons Instructor information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons instructor in California is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weapons instructor?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Weapons Instructor jobs in California?

For Weapons Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weapons Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Weapons Instructor jobs in California are:

Weapons Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,525 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Close Combat Weapons Instructor

Lukos

Coronado, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Close Quarters Combat Instructor
Minimum Qualifications Summary
Certification amp; Education
Refer to Responsibilities and Experience sections.
Experience Required
Preferred experience as a RSO for Small Arm range evolutions, specifically Range Close Quarters Combat or Dynamic Range (COMNAVSPECWARCOMINST 3591.1D).
Job Objective
Instructor tasks are to instruct activities related to Close Quarters Combat (NTTP 3-05.24) and Special Operations in Urban Combat (SOUC) skills and tactics emphasizing target discrimination, precise shot placement, rapid and structured force movement, precision breaching, and clear communications between patrol members. These skills are required for operations inside buildings, ships, maritime platforms, and other confined spaces including aircraft, tunnels, and caves per NTTP 3-05.24. 3.6.1
General Instructor Responsibilities
  • With the exception of the Vertical Assault, Combatives and Air Operations instructors may be required to qualify and act as Range Safety Officer (RSO).
  • Instructors perform logistic support for each field exercise. Logistic support may include: coordinating with other on-hand instructors to provide subject matter expertise. Instructors assist with performance of risk assessments and assigning a level of risk associated with corresponding factors (weather, distance from emergency medical care, on-hand equipment, instructor-to-student ratio, level of proficiency of each student) in determining the success of the exercise. Additionally, the contractor shall assist in making recommendations for training schedules/curriculum, scheduling training sites and ranges, reviewing student rosters, and identifying equipment shortages to the Government instructors or COR. Furthermore, the contractor shall also be required to assist in set-up and coordination of equipment in the practical field environment (i.e. targeting systems, marine reconnaissance vehicles, sandbags, etc.). Instructors assist with logistical support during planning, classroom instruction, practical field training, final training exercises, and Troop movements with Trip Leader instructors.
  • There are circumstances that require an instructor to perform multiple disciplines under one curriculum or training.
  • Accommodate occasions of ad-hoc and extended work schedules to satisfy training requirements.
  • Ability to understand a wide variety of guidelines, publications and instructions relating to safety and mission-specific NSW training.
  • Be physically fit and able to work in an environment that is fast-paced while completing multiple tasks, and meeting stringent timelines. Specifically, the contractor must be physically capable of performing on-site practical instruction for periods of up to 20 hours, in conditions ranging from minus 5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. During this period, the contractor shall be required to engage in physical activities such as running, swimming, climbing, and lifting (up to 75 lbs).
Responsibilities
NSW Subject Matter Expert and able to instruct in the following:
  • Dynamic and Deliberate Entry from two-man through Troop sized clearance.
  • Hallways, Stairways and De-conflictions
  • Marshalling and Sensitive Site Exploitation
  • Forced Entry to include explosive, manual, mechanical and thermal.
  • Employment of Diversionary and Marking Devices
  • Target Analysis and Assault Planning
  • Tactical Leader and Command and Control Element development.
  • Dismounted/Mounted Patrolling and Immediate Action (Contact) Drills
  • Ground and Air Asset Management and Implementation
  • Fixed and Rotary Wing insertion/extraction
  • Non-Combatant Evacuations
Education amp; Certification
Refer to Responsibilities and Experience sections.
Work Location
Naval Base Coronado, CA
About Lukos
Lukos has been delivering professional services to the Federal Government for 15 years. We help a variety of federal agencies in areas such as national security, homeland security, international development, training, analytics, healthcare, and other professional services. Since our founding, we have grown to support all military services and multiple federal civilian agencies. About Our Name: Lukos is ancient Greek for “wolf”. The characteristics of the wolf match our approach to national security. The wolf is known for cunning, aggression, patience, and teamwork. An individual wolf is smart, strong, and resilient, but the true strength of wolves is their ability to work together as a wolfpack. Kipling said it best in The Law of the Jungle.
"For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack."
At Lukos we take care of our pack by offering full-time employees competitive benefits to include: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off and Federal holidays.
Lukos is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin.

Lukos logo

About Lukos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

2008

Social media

Twitter

View All Lukos Jobs

Apply