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Wilderness Survival Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nantahala Outdoor Center

SOLO Instructor

Bryson City, NC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY SOLO Instructors conduct courses in the fields of wilderness medicine, CPR, first aid, wilderness survival, and emergency medicine. Primary responsibilities of instructors are to teach ...

Prevailance

Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor

TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Prevailance is seeking a Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor to deliver advanced Survival, Evasion ... First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification * Familiarity with USAF SERE program ...

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How much do wilderness survival instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness survival instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a wilderness survival instructor do?

A Wilderness Survival Instructor teaches individuals or groups essential survival skills needed in remote or wild environments. This includes techniques like building shelters, starting fires without matches, finding and purifying water, identifying edible plants, and basic first aid. Instructors also emphasize safety, navigation, and how to respond to emergencies. Their goal is to prepare students to handle unexpected situations and confidently spend time in nature.

What are some common challenges wilderness survival instructors face when leading courses in remote locations?

Wilderness Survival Instructors often encounter unpredictable weather, varying group skill levels, and the need to manage safety in remote environments. Adapting lesson plans on the fly and keeping participants engaged while ensuring their well-being are key challenges. Instructors must also be prepared for medical emergencies and possess strong leadership and communication skills to foster teamwork in challenging conditions. Collaborating effectively with co-instructors and local guides is essential for a safe and rewarding experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness survival instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Survival Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor skills such as shelter building, fire making, navigation, first aid, and often a background in environmental science or outdoor education. Familiarity with GPS devices, wilderness first responder (WFR) certification, and knowledge of survival gear are crucial for teaching and ensuring safety. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help instructors guide diverse groups and manage unexpected challenges. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively teach survival techniques and ensure participant safety in unpredictable outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Wilderness Survival Instructor vs Outdoor Education Instructor?

AspectWilderness Survival InstructorOutdoor Education Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, survival skills certificationsCPR, outdoor leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote wilderness, survival scenariosCampgrounds, outdoor classrooms
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, survival schoolsSchools, youth camps, outdoor programs

Wilderness Survival Instructors focus on teaching survival skills in remote environments, often requiring specialized certifications. Outdoor Education Instructors provide broader outdoor learning experiences, including environmental education and safety. While both roles involve outdoor settings, Wilderness Survival Instructors emphasize survival techniques, whereas Outdoor Education Instructors focus on educational activities in outdoor environments.

How much do wilderness survival instructors make?

Wilderness survival instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Many instructors work part-time or seasonally, and certifications in outdoor skills or first aid can influence pay rates.
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Wilderness Survival Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Survival Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Bushcraft & Wilderness Survival Instructor

Firstsource

Sonoma, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Firstsource rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 72 rated call and contact centers

Job description

Calling All Outdoor Survival, Primitive Skills & Bushcraft Enthusiasts

Do you spend your weekends practicing friction fire, carving wood, rigging tarp shelters, tying functional knots, and navigating backcountry terrain? We are seeking a knowledgeable Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival Instructor to lead a hands-on workshop series for a small group of adult learners.

Contract Type: 1099 Independent Contractor

Duration: Approximately 2 months

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Class Size: 5 adult learners


What You Will Be Doing

  • Lead practical demonstrations across core survival topics including knife and saw safety, shelter building, firecraft, knots, campcraft, and water filtration basics.
  • Use a talk-aloud teaching approach to explain what you are doing, how you are doing it, and why.
  • Mentor and coach learners as they practice techniques in a safe environment.
  • Assist in developing a 10-lesson curriculum outline and supporting reference materials.


Who We Are Looking For

  • Experienced bushcraft, wilderness survival, or outdoor education instructors with strong hands-on expertise.
  • Individuals who can both develop a structured curriculum and deliver engaging instruction to beginner learners.
  • Confident communicators who enjoy teaching, mentoring, and breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-follow lessons.
  • Safety-focused professionals with experience leading outdoor skills training, workshops, classes, camps, or guided learning experiences.
  • Reliable instructors who can lead a 10-lesson program from planning through delivery.

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