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Weapons Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Three Rivers, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Planada, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Kelseyville, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

South Gate, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

San Geronimo, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Sunol, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Selma, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Avalon, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Dunsmuir, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Maricopa, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

West Covina, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

US Navy

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Brawley, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Malibu, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

... Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS when ...

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All JobsWeapons Instructor JobsWeapons Instructor Jobs in California

Weapons Instructor information

See California salary details

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$35

How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Port Hueneme, CA • On-site

$100.26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct scheduled instructor-led training and support training device and systems training using various tools.

  • Evaluate student performance, provide feedback, and recommend improvements to training programs and scenarios.

  • Provide classroom and simulator instruction, including briefs, debriefs, and assessments related to E-2C/D mission areas.

Job description

Description
E2 CIP, NAVAL AVIATOR (PILOT)
Job Description - Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
LB&B Associates Inc. has immediate openings for on-call E2 Contract Instructor Pilots to support its training contract at NAS Point Mugu, CA.
This is an on-call position.
CIPs for the E-2C 2F110 OFT, the E-2D 2F210 OFT, and the E-2D 2F211 APT shall instruct students in the cockpit as required during simulator events.
CIPs shall successfully demonstrate the ability to instruct, interact, and evaluate aircrew performance for all flight scenarios and provide instantaneous feedback regarding tactical employment and safety related decisions.
CIPs must have the tactical expertise required to provide accurate simulation instruction of all current and future mission areas executed by the E-2C/D crew to meet Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) training requirements of the ACCLWS, in alignment with the CAEWWS Manual. This includes, but is not limited to:
a) Warfare Commander decisions and communications
b) Tactical Command and Control (TAC C2)
c) Air Intercept Communications (AIC)
d) Strike Warfare
e) Carrier Strike Group Air Defense
f) Maritime Employment
g) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
h) Offensive Air Support (OAS)
i) Airspace Management
j) Offensive Counter-Air/Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (OCA/SEAD)
k) Combat Identification (CID)
l) Controlled Approaches
m) Survivability
Principal Duties and Essential Job Functions:
  • Conduct scheduled Instructor-led/supported training for Training Device and Systems Training (including briefs and debriefs) using traditional and modern tools such as interactive white boards, computers and video projector systems.
  • Evaluate student training/mission performance as required.
  • Provide classroom instruction and recommendations for improvement, to include tests and test materials, lesson plans, and trainee guides under the guidelines of current directives.
  • Provide academic instruction to include Instructor led lecture discussion for Crew Resource Management (CRM), Instrument Ground School (IGS), etc., and self-paced Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Based Training (CBT) in support of courses required for each platform.
  • Assist with simulator and training device inspections and certification programs and other special projects, as required, to include mishap re-creation and testing.
  • Conduct training device operation instruction to personnel as necessary, to include briefing, debriefing and grading/assessments.
  • Other weapons system specific support responsibilities, as listed in appendices.
  • Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.
  • Maintain, assess, and recommend improvements to mission scenarios for effectiveness and currency.
  • Review curriculum, assess and recommend improvements to the training program via the appropriate training management officials.
  • Perform as NATOPS Instrument Evaluators, Assistant NATOPS Instructors (ANI), AW and EW instructors. Contract Instructors may be designated as a NATOPS Instrument Evaluator or Assistant NATOPS Instructor per OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES. Refer to OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES for definitions of responsibilities, assignments, qualifications, cognizant authority for designations, and annual requirements for certifications.

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Must obtain instructor certification in the platform(s) to which assigned.
  • Must obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
  • Qualifications. A CIP shall have the following qualifications: Must be or have been an E-2 Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified pilot or have been an E-2 simulator instructor (pilot) within the previous five (5) years. A CIP have been a designated a Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander (CAPC) in the E-2 or Carrier Transport Plane Commander (CTPC) in the C-2 (i.e. level 300 ACTC qualification or greater), Not have had any punitive actions on their record that resulted in termination of their flight status (i.e. Field Naval Aviator Evaluation Board (FNAEB) resulting in a type B classification). Must have a minimum of (800) flying hours in the E-2 or the C-2 aircraft and possess a Bachelor's degree.
  • A CIP should have the following preferred qualifications: Must Be or have been an E-2/C-2 NATOPS Instructor qualified pilot within the previous five (5) years, or have been an E-2/C-2 simulator instructor pilot within the previous five (5) years.
  • Attained the following tactical designations
    • Instructor CAPC in the E-2 (i.e. Level 3i ACTC [formerly level 400 ACTC qualification, prior to 2019])
    • Element lead in the E-2 (i.e. level 400 ACTC qualification)
    • E-2 Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (i.e. level 500 ACTC qualification)

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LB&B Associates Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected factor by country, regional or local law.
Requirements
Please see job description.

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