Self Defense Instructor
Salary range: $97,500 - $112,500
The job duties of a self-defense instructor focus on teaching self-defense skills to students. Your responsibilities depend on the style of self-defense that you teach. As an instructor, you typically train students to defend themselves using martial arts techniques. During a class or session, you explain and demonstrate the techniques and then guide students as they practice these new skills until they can use them effectively. Self-defense instructors work in martial arts studios, schools, community education centers, and other facilities.
Defensive Tactics Instructor
Salary range: $42,000 - $66,000
Defensive Tactics Instructor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $66,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Defensive Tactics Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Martial Arts Assistant Instructor
Salary range: $36,000 - $48,000
Martial Arts Assistant Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Martial Arts Assistant Instructor jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $48,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Martial Arts Assistant Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor
Salary range: $77,500 - $98,500
Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor jobs pay between $77,500 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Independent Contractor Self Defense Instructor
Salary range: $36,000 - $41,000
Independent Contractor Self Defense Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Self Defense Instructor jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $41,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Self Defense Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Combatives Instructor
Salary range: $32,000 - $50,000
Combatives Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Combatives Instructor jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Combatives Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Remote Self Defense Instructor
Salary range: $33,000 - $50,000
Remote Self Defense Instructor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Self Defense Instructor jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Self Defense Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Military Instructor
Salary range: $41,500 - $72,500
Military Instructor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Military Instructor jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $72,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Military Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Martial Arts
Salary range: $36,000 - $48,000
Martial arts refer to specific kinds of training and combat techniques originally developed in ancient times. There are many styles of martial arts; they include Asian practices such as karate, judo, aikido, kung fu, and tae kwon do, and Afro-Brazilian practices like capoeira and jiu-jitsu. These techniques have evolved into sport and recreation, with many facilities, also called dojos, instructing kids and adults these ancient practices. While some take the classes to learn self-defense, many seek them out as a fitness program. Most martial arts jobs today are teaching roles in a dojo. You may start as an assistant, helping the primary coach instruct the students. After gaining experience, you may move into a primary teaching position and lead your own class.

All Jobs Self Defense Jobs 9 of the Most Popular Types of Self Defense Jobs in 2026