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Weapons Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

BGI (Ohio)

Adversary Pilot/5th Gen SME

NV · On-site

Must have a minimum of 500 hours in a fighter T/M/S aircraft F-15 EX, F/A-18 E/F, F-22, or F-35 USAF Fighter Weapons Instructor Course graduate, Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics graduate ...

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Weapons Instructor information

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How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.

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Weapons Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Instructor job openings in the United States 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 $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor

Armada Ltd

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Type: Full TimeLocation: NTTC Lackland/ San Antonio, Texas Overtime Exempt: NoReports To: ARMADA HQ Duties & Responsibilities:The Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor delivers advanced-level, high-risk tactical training in accordance with CENSECFOR curriculum requirements. The Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor provides instruction in specialized tactical areas including small arms employment, tactical shooting, defensive tactics, non-lethal weapons employment, mission planning, tactical movement, and hostile intent decision-making. Serve as a Range Safety Officer (RSO) when designated, following completion of required PQS and board certification. Coordinate and deliver Judgment-based Engagement Training (JET), including dynamic decision-making scenarios, SAWS simulation, force-on-force training, and stress-inoculation-based tactical conditioning. Maintain safety and compliance throughout all live-fire, simulation, and high-risk training evolutions.Prepare students for high-stress tactical operations by demonstrating, coaching, and evaluating performance-based skills.The Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor supports curriculum updates, instructor evaluations, testing procedures, and required remediation as directed.Maintain proficiency and meet required weapons qualification standards, including OPNAVINST 3591.1-series sharpshooter scores.Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):Possess a basic understanding of Military/Civilian Security Force techniquesAbility to perform all tactical training evolutions including shooting from standing, kneeling, and prone; climbing ladders; navigating confined spaces; and operating in high-heat and high-humidity environments. Understanding of tactical communications, mission planning, and defensive tactics.Expertise in pistol, rifle, and shotgun employment with the ability to achieve required qualification scores.Knowledge of force-on-force training, simulation platforms, and tactical judgment methodologies.Ability to coach students through high-risk, stress-based engagements while maintaining safety and adherence to Navy standards.Strong verbal and written communication skills appropriate for instructional roles. Minimum/General Experience: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 Be qualified as a small arms weapons' instructor. Minimum Education:High school diploma or GED required. 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. Applying: If you feel you have the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position visit our careers page at www.armadausa.com. 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.