Are you looking for a new career that pays well? Jobs working with weapons and ammo can earn you big bucks. This article talks about 20 of the best-paying jobs in ordnance and accessories for 2024.

Whether you’re ex-military, like guns, or want to make more money, these are good options.

There’s something for different backgrounds – engineers, technicians, sales reps, instructors, managers, mechanics, scientists, and more. Some jobs involve danger, but you get paid well for it.

Keep reading to learn about the pay and responsibilities for these hot careers with explosives, firearms, security systems, armor, and tactical gear.

There’s a lot of variety and opportunities out there!

20 Best Paying Jobs in Ordnance and Accessories Field

Here are the best-paying jobs in ordnance and accessories;

1. Explosives Engineer

As an explosives engineer, you design and oversee the development of ammunition, missiles, and other explosive ordnance.

This involves conducting research, performing calculations, drafting designs, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and refining products.

You’ll work closely with other engineers and technicians. The average salary is $102,000.

2. Ballistics Technician

Ballistics technicians support the production, testing, and quality control of ammunition and artillery.

Your duties will include assembling ammunition, inspecting materials and products, conducting tests, collecting data, and identifying defects.

Strong attention to detail is critical in this role. The average pay is $94,000 annually.

3. Armorer

Armorers are responsible for maintaining and repairing firearms used by the military, law enforcement, or other organizations.

This will involve inspecting weapons, diagnosing issues, disassembling firearms, and replacing worn or damaged parts.

They also test repaired weapons and keep maintenance logs. Armorer jobs pay approximately $65,000 per year.

4. Ammunition Production Manager

As an ammunition production manager, you will supervise the manufacturing operations of an ammunition or explosives plant.

Essential duties include coordinating production activities, developing manufacturing processes, and maintaining quality standards.

They also manage inventory and supply chains and oversee plant safety procedures. The typical salary is around $118,000.

5. Forensic Firearms Examiner

Examining firearms evidence and identifying ammunition is central to this role.

Duties include examining guns, spent shell casings, and bullets to determine weapon characteristics and markings, comparing samples to known firearms, reconstructing shooting incidents, and preparing reports.

Strong attention to detail is vital. The average income is approximately $78,000.

6. Gunsmith

Gunsmiths maintain, modify, repair, and inspect small firearms like pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

This involves diagnosing issues, taking guns apart, cleaning components, replacing worn or broken parts, assembling firearms, test firing guns, and ensuring proper operation. Gunsmiths earn around $50,000 on average.

7. Range Safety Officer

As a range safety officer, you will supervise shooting activities at firing ranges to ensure proper safety procedures are followed.

Your responsibilities will include inspecting ranges, enforcing range rules, monitoring shooters, issuing equipment, overseeing firearms handling, and responding to injuries or violations. The average salary is $40,000.

8. Weapons Quality Assurance Specialist

Working in quality assurance for weapons manufacturing, you will ensure that guns, artillery, and other ordnance meet functionality, reliability, and safety standards.

Typical duties include developing testing procedures, inspecting materials and products, identifying defects, implementing corrections, documenting results, and recommending design improvements. The average salary is $85,000.

9. Explosive Device Technician

Also known as bomb technicians, these specialists handle explosives during controlled detonations and examine suspected explosive devices to determine how to deactivate them safely.

You will work closely with law enforcement providing technical expertise. It is a dangerous job but with an average salary of $80,000.

10. Security Systems Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell security and weapons storage solutions to clients in defense, law enforcement, and private security industries.

This involves assessing client needs, presenting products, demonstrating features, negotiating contracts, and providing ongoing customer service. Representative salaries average $65,000.

11. Tactical Training Instructor

In this role, you will develop training programs and instruct military, law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians on firearms, self-defense, surveillance, and combat tactics.

Strong weapons handling skills are mandatory. The average pay is around $70,000 per year.

12. Military Consultant

Drawing on your military experience, you will provide consulting services to defense organizations, weapons manufacturers, private security companies, and government agencies.

Typical consulting duties include conducting threat assessments, advising on weapons acquisitions, developing security and training protocols, and providing expert testimony.

Consultants earn approximately $115,000 on average.

13. Armored Vehicle Mechanic

Mechanics specializing in armored vehicles inspect, diagnose, and repair light and heavy-duty combat vehicles like tanks, armor-plated trucks, and personnel carriers.

You will maintain and overhaul engines, suspensions, electrical systems, transmissions, and other components. The average annual salary is $55,000.

14. Tactical Gear Product Manager

In this product management role, you will develop, produce, and promote tactical gear like body armor, holsters, eyewear, backpacks, clothing, and accessories.

This involves analyzing market trends, defining product requirements, coordinating design and manufacturing, setting pricing, and developing sales strategies. Average pay exceeds $120,000 per year.

15. Security Alarm Technician

Alarm technicians install, inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair security and fire alarm systems in homes and businesses.

You will connect control panels, alarms, sensors, surveillance cameras, access controls, and related systems.

Strong technical aptitude is needed. These technicians average approximately $55,000 annually.

16. Weapons Research Scientist

Conducting research helps drive innovation in ordnance technology. As a weapons scientist, you will investigate ballistics, explosives, propellants, and metals to improve the effectiveness, precision, and safety of weapons and ammunition.

A Ph.D. is typically required. Salaries average just under $100,000.

17. Military Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts examine data from many sources to assess threats and assist military planning and operations.

Duties include analyzing enemy capabilities, identifying vulnerabilities, interpreting imagery, forecasting adversary actions, and preparing intelligence reports. The average pay for this vital role is $80,000.

18. Police Academy Firearms Instructor

Academy instructors train police cadets and officers on firearm handling, shooting techniques, safety protocols, use of force policies, and other aspects of carrying and using a service weapon.

This requires advanced firearm proficiency and instructional skills. The average salary is around $65,000.

19. Special Forces Weapons Sergeant

Weapons sergeants serve in elite special forces units in combat roles. You will be responsible for equipping, maintaining, and employing heavy weapons like machine guns, mortars, anti-tank weapons, and grenade launchers.

It is a highly demanding but rewarding career paying $70,000 on average.

20. Security Systems Technician

Technicians install, configure, and repair video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other electronic security systems.

Daily work includes running cable, terminating circuits, programming components, troubleshooting issues, upgrading equipment, and providing client training.

Their average salary is approximately $50,000 per year.

Conclusion

The ordnance and accessories industry offers many rewarding career paths with strong compensation.

Jobs are available for those with specialized technical skills, military and law enforcement experience, mechanical aptitude, and an interest in working with weapons and explosives.

As you consider your next career move, keep this diverse and growing sector in mind.

The roles profiled here represent some of the highest-paying opportunities available now and likely well into the future.