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Weapons Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Weapons Based Instructors deliver training in support of the Navy's AT and Weapons Training Program. This includes the following courses of instruction: Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI)

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How much do weapons training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons training in the United States is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs involve weapons?

Jobs that involve weapons include military personnel, law enforcement officers, security guards, and private security contractors. These roles often require firearm training, safety certifications, and adherence to strict regulations, with work environments ranging from combat zones to security details.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Weapons Training roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Weapons Training often face challenges such as adapting instructional methods to diverse learning styles, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving weapon systems, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To address these, trainers typically engage in continuous professional development, participate in refresher courses, and collaborate closely with colleagues and safety officers. Building strong communication skills and fostering a culture of safety and respect are also essential for effective training and risk mitigation.

What is the difference between Weapons Training vs Security Guard?

AspectWeapons TrainingSecurity Guard
Required CertificationsFirearms license, weapons handling certificationSecurity officer license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, private security with firearmsCommercial buildings, events, residential areas
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, military, private security firmsSecurity companies, corporate clients

Weapons Training focuses on firearm handling, safety, and proficiency, often requiring specific licenses. Security Guard roles involve general security duties, with or without firearms, emphasizing surveillance and access control. While both roles may overlap in security settings, Weapons Training is specialized in firearm skills, whereas Security Guards provide broader security services.

How long does it take to become a firearms instructor?

Becoming a firearms instructor typically requires completing a certified training course that lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the program. Candidates usually need prior firearms experience, pass written and practical exams, and obtain relevant certifications such as NRA instructor certification before they can teach others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Weapons Training, and why are they important?

To excel in Weapons Training, you need a comprehensive understanding of firearms safety, ballistics, marksmanship, and legal regulations, often supported by military or law enforcement experience and relevant certifications. Familiarity with specific weapons platforms, range safety procedures, and training simulators is essential for effective instruction and safe handling. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. Mastery of these skills ensures both the safety and proficiency of trainees, as well as compliance with legal and organizational standards.

How much do firearms instructors make in the US?

Firearms instructors in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of training provided. Many work for private security firms, shooting ranges, or law enforcement agencies, often requiring certification and safety training credentials.

What is weapons training?

Weapons training is the process of teaching individuals how to safely handle, operate, maintain, and use various types of weapons, such as firearms or military equipment. This training is essential for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and sometimes civilians who require proficiency in weapon usage for their roles. It covers safety protocols, marksmanship, tactical skills, legal considerations, and proper storage. The goal is to ensure that trainees can use weapons responsibly and effectively while minimizing risks.

Can you make money as a firearms instructor?

Firearms instructors can earn income by providing training courses, private lessons, and certification programs. Their earnings depend on factors such as experience, location, and the number of clients, with some instructors working independently or for training companies. Certification from recognized agencies and strong communication skills can enhance earning potential.
More about Weapons Training jobs
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What job categories do people searching Weapons Training jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Training jobs are:
Weapons Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Training job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,018 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor

Controlled Force

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

"CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT NOTICE: This position represents an ongoing contract requirement. We maintain an active candidate pool for immediate placement when vacancies occur. Qualified applicants will be promptly notified when opportunities become available. Please update your application status (add or remove yourself from consideration) as your employment interests change."

Position: Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor

Location: Naval Technical Training Center – Lackland, JBSA-Lackland, TX (On-Site)

Overview: We seek highly skilled Tactical Weapons-Based Course Instructors to deliver specialized training in high-risk military courses. The role requires exceptional technical knowledge, military experience, and instructional expertise to prepare Navy personnel for tactical operations.

General Requirements:

  • Be a qualified instructor in accordance with the specific requirements identified in the following sections. Have 2 years of experience as an instructor delivering training.
  • Have knowledge of basic and advanced training techniques to include classroom management, Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs), and student motivation.
  • Have knowledge of computer technology application as it applies to instructional presentation.
  • Possess high personal standards of technical knowledge and professional competence in delivering training material.
  • Possess the ability to perform in a military environment.
  • Possess a familiarity with the organization and hierarchy of the U. S. Navy, military rank/grade structure.
  • Possess a knowledge of Navy and military terminology, and shipboard/installation environments and configurations.
  • Possess an excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to obtain a Favorable Tier 3 Background Investigation (See PWS Section 10).

Basic Qualifications:

  • Have attended the Navy Instructor Training Course (NITC) (A-012-0077) (or military service or civilian equivalent), or
  • Academic credentialing (teacher/professor), or
  • Instructor training via an academic institution. Academic ITC requirements should contain at a minimum 24-semester credit or quarter hours in the following:
    1. Effective communication and questioning techniques
    2. Adult learning theory and principles
    3. Instructional Delivery methods
    4. Lesson delivery performance laboratory
    5. Training environment management
    6. Inter-personal skills
    7. Evaluation and Feedback
  • Due to the rigorous and severe physical toll of high and moderate-risk training events, Instructors must be capable of performing all training evolutions to include all self-defense, tactical and dynamic maneuvers per the testing plan; including the ability to perform prolonged maneuvers effectively in the standing, kneeling and prone positions; ascend or descend ladders and go through narrow passageways; be free of any abnormal fear of heights and be able to quickly acclimate to extreme local environmental conditions (e.g., high heat, humidity).

Position Specific Requirements:

  • 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)
  • Possess Range Safety Officers (RSO) certification – Operation of the ranges during period of live fire training requires a designated RSO. The contractor shall ensure the instructors are qualified to perform the duties of RSO. This designation requires the satisfaction of the appropriate weapons instructor qualification as dictated by paragraphs above, and completion of the applicable Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for RSO as contained in the Security Force Weapons PQS (NAVEDTRA 43466). After the aforementioned requirements have been satisfied and forwarded to the Lackland CO, a RSO Certification Board will be convened to validate the knowledge and skill level of each candidate. The composition of the RSO Certification Board will be comprised of Lackland HQ personnel. The board may be conducted in-person, MS Teams, or telephonically, whichever is most feasible

Exceptionally qualified instructors with similar civilian law enforcement expertise and experience may be approved, on a case-base-case basis, by the COR following a thorough résumé review and interview, at the government’s discretion.

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.

The RSO Certification Board will provide the board results and an appropriate recommendation to the NTTC Lackland CO. If no disqualifying factors are noted, NTTC Lackland CO will issue a letter of designation. A copy of this letter of designation shall be filed in the ITJ. The contractor shall nominate RSO candidates to the NTTC Lackland CO, who will endorse and forward the nomination to the NTTC Lackland CO for formal designation. When utilized in this capacity, this individual must not perform other instructor or line coach functions. Additional details can be found in CENSECFORINST 3591.1.

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