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Weapons Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

Contract Instructor Pilots will: * Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable ... Maintain weapons system expertise * Prepare classrooms or briefing rooms for instruction before the ...

BGI, LLC

Adversary Pilot/5th Gen SME

Nellis Air Force Base, NV · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

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 ...

Starfish

$22 - $27/hr

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

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How much do weapons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Ground Security Tactics Instructor Virginia Beach Virginia

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

BEI Tactical
Business Schools and Computer and Management Training • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about BEI Tacticalexternal

$42K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

BEI Tactical is a Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business providing unique services and high-end products to the government and commercial industry. BEI Tactical’ s core values come from its quality work force. We seek proven professionals that add value to our customer’s challenges, and make BEI Tactical a TEAM where people WANT to work. Our philosophy is “Solutions through Relationships”, whether it’s a product or service, let us help you solve your challenges.
BEI Tactical requires the below position for a future anticipated award.  When awarded, we will support the MAREXSECGRU TEU with Ground-qualified HRTIs, proficient in Embarked Security, Aircraft Security, and Position Defense training, Virginia Beach Virginia. 
This effort encompasses contractor support to provide MAREXSECGRU TEU a support team of Subject Matter Experts experienced in specialized Maritime Expeditionary Security Force skills and operations in order to primarily execute HRT in the course of training and creating curriculum for MESF companies, platoons, patrol boat crews, and other special purpose maritime security teams in Coastal Maritime operations, HVU protection, combat shooting techniques, tactical vehicle and convoy operation, Expeditionary Designated Marksman EDM), Ground Operations, Small Unit Tactics, Embarked Security Team (EST), and Aircraft Security Teams (AST), and critical time-intensive administrative functions . 
This land-based module of instruction teaches individuals how to operate as a team in the operation and defense of Entry Control Points and establishment/defense of camp perimeters.  Training entails exercise of established preplanned responses and various roles and duties of a ground security element, and includes the firing of both small arms and crew-served weapons blanks . 
The following position is required for this effort:
Position:  Ground Security Tactics Instructor, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Experience Requirements:
  • Must be a graduate of a certified Navy Instructor Training Course (NEC 9502, 9501, or 9518) or equivalent (Completion of a civilian (or commercial) formal course of instruction, which has been evaluated and certified as a JIT/NITC equivalence by the Center for Professional Development).  Consideration will be additionally granted for experience as a Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, and/or Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, or similar military instructor qualification. One year of instructional experience in lieu of designation (as evidenced by DD214, course certificates, etc.
  • Must have USN Naval Coastal Warfare, Maritime Expeditionary Security, Riverine, Coast Riverine or Special Operations (USN SEAL, or Special Warfare Combat Crewman) experience.
  • Must be a graduate of Blackwater, Mid-South Shooting Institute, Gryphon or SFAUC, or MCAUC small arms weapons training.  Equivalent tactical small arms weapons training schools will be considered.
  • Prior military shall have Honorable Discharge from Active-Duty Military service, with favorable reenlistment code.
  • Qualified Navy or civilian industry standard equivalent Range Safety Officer for small arms and CSW static and dynamic live-fire ranges
Instructors MUST:
  • Must meet Navy High-Risk Training requirements as outlined in OPNAVINST 1500.75 series.
  • Must provide proof of recent (within three years) first aid certification or Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
  • Must possess valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
  • Must have Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess proof of recent, within the past 3 years of qualifications for the following weapons systems:
    • M9 Pistol or designated replacement
    • M4/M16 (or variants) Rifle
    • M500 Shotgun
  • Additionally, instructors must be able to qualify with the following weapons systems as required:
    • M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle
    • M240 Machine Gun
    • M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun
    • M203 Grenade Launcher
    • Mk38 Mod 2 25mm Machine Gun
    • MK50 Remote Weapon Station
    • Other weapon systems as assigned
  • Must have SECRET Clearance 
 Basic Instructor Responsibilities and Requirements:
  • Meet and maintain eligibility for high-risk training instructors, as delineated in CORIVFORINST 1500.1 series and supporting references.
  • Perform basic to advanced levels of classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula, including nighttime exercises as required.
  • Maintain an instructor training binder with approved personalized course materials to be utilized during instruction.
  • Perform and observe the safe operations of, including, but not limited to, authorized weapons systems, small craft, tactical vehicles, assorted support equipment, and authorized technical training equipment, including laser systems and synthetic weapons trainers.
  • Perform course preparations to include, but not limited to, preparation of classroom, weapons loading, weapons mounting, target placement, computer set up, practical area set up, vehicle staging, etc.
  • Perform operator level weapons cleaning, maintenance and repairs of all authorized weapons systems and ranges.
  • Participate in material maintenance of existing curricula following Government authorized processes.
  • Obtain course qualifications in accordance with approved guidance.
  • Complete and maintain require Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for each watch station that the instructor is training or evaluating personnel on.
  • Perform general facility cleanup to include but not limited to, trash removal, sweeping, swabbing, kitchen, appliances, lounge, bathroom, TOC areas, and ranges.
  • Additional courses designed to basic and advanced Maritime Expeditionary Security maritime and ground tactics may be added in the future as MESF missions and responsibilities mature 
BEI Tactical Offers:
  • Funding for Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Short Term Disability (at no cost to you) and LTD
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Federal Holidays each year
BEI Tactical is an AA / EOE / M / F / Disability / VET / Drug Free Employer