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Weapons Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BGI, LLC

F-16 Instructor/SME

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... 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 ...

Starfish

Provides expert-level guidance on tactics development, mission planning, and threat assessment, leveraging graduate-level Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) training and advanced operational ...

DRG

FIGHTER PILOT

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Graduate * Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC) * Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience Security Clearance ...

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Weapons Instructor information

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How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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.

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.

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 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.

Can you make money as a firearms instructor?

A firearms instructor can earn income by providing training courses, private lessons, and certifications to individuals or groups. Income varies based on experience, location, and the number of clients, with some instructors working full-time and others part-time. Certification from recognized agencies and strong safety skills are essential for earning a reliable income in this field.

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.

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, often supplemented by certifications and specialized skills in firearm safety and handling.

What do NRA instructors get paid?

NRA instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the type of training provided. Some instructors may work part-time or as independent contractors, which can affect their overall earnings. Certification and specialized skills can also influence pay rates.

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.
More about Weapons Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapons Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Weapons Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Instructor jobs are:
Weapons Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, 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 28 days ago

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.