How Much Does a Self Defense Instructor Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Self Defense Instructor in the United States is $56,726. While Salary.com is seeing that Self Defense Instructor salary in the US can go up to $70,684 or down to $47,101, but most earn between $51,688 and $64,032. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Self Defense Instructor by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
MiraCosta Community College
Martial Arts/Self Defense Associate (Part-time) Instructor Pool 2024 - 2025
$81,282/yr
$70,958
$91,606
RANGE: $70,958 - $91,606
AOB Products Company
Marketing Manager - Optics/Self - Defense
$128,798/yr
$114,459
$143,136
RANGE: $114,459 - $143,136
Los Angeles County Office of Education
2025/2026 - Associate Faculty - Martial Arts/Self-Defense
$71,044/yr
$62,097
$79,990
RANGE: $62,097 - $79,990
Motlow State Community College
Cyber Defense Instructor
$85,330/yr
$75,621
$95,038
RANGE: $75,621 - $95,038
DDI Brand
Self-Directed Community Habilitation Instructor
$108,305/yr
$94,496
$122,114
RANGE: $94,496 - $122,114
Santa Rosa Junior College
2023/2024 - Faculty (Associate/pt-temp) - Martial Arts/self-defense (Combatives)
$117,768/yr
$102,853
$132,682
RANGE: $102,853 - $132,682
Central Texas College
Adjunct Instructor-Automotive, Open-Entry/Self Paced
$67,333/yr
$58,782
$75,885
RANGE: $58,782 - $75,885
Delta Defense LLC
SEO Manager - Self Defense Industry Job at Delta Defense LLC in West Bend
$108,884/yr
$96,152
$121,616
RANGE: $96,152 - $121,616
Roanoke County Schools
Naval National Defense Cadet Corp (NNDCC) Instructor
$72,763/yr
$63,491
$82,034
RANGE: $63,491 - $82,034
JANUS Research Group
Air Defense Analyst Instructor - ADAM/BAE
$62,304/yr
$54,438
$70,169
RANGE: $54,438 - $70,169

Open Self Defense Instructor Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Self Defense Instructor Do?

Anyone can learn basic physical self-defense skills, even someone small, elderly, with physical disabilities, overweight, or out of shape.
Updated December 22, 2021
That said, if you’re looking for a self defense knife that doubles as an EDC knife, there are better options for you on this list.
Updated December 22, 2021
The clip or sheath you choose is going to determine how you carry, conceal, and deploy the knife which may impact response time which is important in self-defense situations.
Updated December 21, 2021
An advanced course designed to turn you into a fully certified self defence and personal safety instructor.
Updated December 20, 2021
In a self defense situation, time is precious having a blade that automatically opens and that you don’t have to think about opening is nice.
Updated December 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Self Defense Instructor Salaries

What is the average of a Self Defense Instructor in the United States?

The Self Defense Instructor salary range is from $51,688 to $64,032, and the average Self Defense Instructor salary is $56,726/year in the United States. The Self Defense Instructor's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Self Defense Instructor salary in the United States?

The Self Defense Instructor salary in San Jose, CA is $71,548 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Self Defense Instructor's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Self Defense Instructor.

What is the growth rate of the Self Defense Instructor's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Self Defense Instructor or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Self Defense Instructor.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Self Defense Instructor salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$28 Hourly
A Self Defense Instructor in Huntington, WV reported making $28 per hour
Huntington, WV
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$29 Hourly
A Self Defense Instructor in Pensacola, FL reported making $29 per hour
Pensacola, FL
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$58,275 Yearly
A Self Defense Instructor in Galveston, TX reported making $58,275 per year
Galveston, TX
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$61,993 Yearly
A Self Defense Instructor in Mesa, AZ reported making $61,993 per year
Mesa, AZ
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$70,509 Yearly
A Self Defense Instructor in Ontario, CA reported making $70,509 per year
Ontario, CA
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$5,366 Monthly
A Self Defense Instructor in Greeley, CO reported making $5,366 per month
Greeley, CO
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public