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Firearm Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Firearm Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$58.2K

$103.6K

How much do firearm instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for firearm instructor in Virginia is $58,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Firearm Instructors when training new students, and how can these be addressed?

Firearm Instructors often encounter students with varying levels of experience, confidence, and safety awareness. A key challenge is ensuring that all participants understand and consistently follow strict safety protocols, especially those who are nervous or unfamiliar with firearms. Instructors address this by providing clear, step-by-step instructions, close supervision during practical exercises, and fostering an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. Patience, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial for helping every student progress safely and confidently.

How long does it take to become a firearms instructor?

Becoming a firearms instructor typically requires completing a certified training course that can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the program and state requirements. Candidates usually need to have prior firearm experience, pass background checks, and obtain relevant certifications such as NRA instructor certification before starting instructing duties.

How much do Glock firearms instructors make?

Glock firearms instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of training provided. Many instructors work as independent contractors or for shooting ranges, and earnings can vary based on certifications and class size.

What does a Firearm Instructor do?

A Firearm Instructor is a trained professional responsible for teaching individuals how to safely handle, operate, and maintain firearms. They provide instruction on proper shooting techniques, firearm safety protocols, and legal responsibilities related to gun ownership and use. Firearm Instructors may teach civilians, law enforcement, or military personnel, and often conduct both classroom and hands-on training sessions. Their goal is to ensure students become competent, confident, and responsible firearm users.

Can you make money as a firearms instructor?

Firearm instructors can earn income through private lessons, group classes, and certifications, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and clientele. Successful instructors often need relevant certifications, safety training, and a good reputation to increase earning potential. Income can be seasonal and depends on the number of students and the type of instruction offered.

What is the difference between Firearm Instructor vs Shooting Range Instructor?

AspectFirearm InstructorShooting Range Instructor
CertificationsFirearm safety, instructor certifications, possibly NRA or state-specific licensesRange safety, basic firearm handling, customer service certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, shooting ranges, law enforcement or civilian training settingsShooting ranges, retail stores, recreational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, security, civilian firearm training schoolsShooting ranges, firearm retail stores, recreational facilities

Firearm Instructors focus on comprehensive firearm safety, handling, and advanced shooting techniques, often requiring specialized certifications. Shooting Range Instructors primarily oversee range safety, assist customers, and provide basic firearm guidance. While both roles involve firearm knowledge, Firearm Instructors typically have more extensive training and work in educational settings, whereas Shooting Range Instructors focus on customer service and range operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firearm Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firearm Instructor, you need comprehensive firearms knowledge, safety expertise, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or law enforcement training. Familiarity with range safety protocols, training simulators, and instructional materials is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learners are essential soft skills. These qualifications ensure safe, effective instruction and help students develop responsible firearm handling practices.
What are the most commonly searched types of Firearm Instructor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Firearm Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Firearm Instructor jobs in Virginia? For Firearm Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Firearm Instructor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Firearm Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Firearm Instructor jobs in VA? For Firearm Instructor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Firearm Instructor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,189 per year, or $28 per hour.
Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer

Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer

All Native Group

Blackstone, VA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Summary

We are currently accepting applications for future openings. Please note that there is no specific start date at this time. We will reach out to qualified candidates as positions become available.

Summary

Ho-Chunk Inc. Management Services (HCIMS) is seeking a full-time Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer.  The Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer will serve as a range safety officer and course administrator for firearms training courses with responsibility for planning, organizing, and presenting and/or managing the presentation of one or more of these courses and for evaluating training effectiveness to ensure that objectives are met. The incumbent will also serve as a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) subject matter expert on firearms.  The position is based in Blackstone, VA.

 

Essential Functions

  • Operates the Diplomatic Security (DS) range facility and judgmental use of force facility ensuring compliance with OSHA and/or EPA standards and regulations.
  • Plans, organizes, and instructs/manages the presentation of firearms training courses, which may include basic and advanced firearms and use of deadly force.
  • Conducts firearms and deadly force scenario-based training; provides appropriate after-action reviews and feedback to trainees.
  • Applies U.S. Constitutional law, relevant case law, and DS policies to firearms training and use of force scenarios.
  • Reviews established training objectives, lesson plans, training materials, and instructional methods prior to the beginning of assigned courses.
  • Research and reviews current reports related to DS and introduces applicable information into firearms training courses. 
  • Resolves problems that occur in the preparation for and during training.
  • Evaluates training effectiveness to ensure that training objectives have been met.
  • Complies with all Federal Law Enforcement Training and Accreditation (FLETA) standards.
  • Complies with all DS and Firearms Training program policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Reviews and analyzes trainee evaluations, feedback from other instructors, and personal observations.
  • Identifies need for and assists with revisions to course content and materials or instructional methods as necessary to improve the firearms training curriculum effectiveness and quality
  • Participates in curriculum review conferences.
  • Ensures optimum efficiency in the use of assigned resources.
  • Assists instructors in other security related subjects.
  • Establishes and maintains liaison with a broad array of law enforcement, security, military, government, and civilian organizations related to security and firearms techniques, tactics, and procedures.
  • Keeps abreast of current security techniques, methods, and procedures in firearms training through attendance at training sessions, seminars, and workshops.
  • Provides technical guidance to managers, law enforcement employees, and students on basic and complex topics related to firearms and use of deadly force.
  • Assists in scheduling and planning classes by developing and maintaining close contact with program coordinators as well as with other appropriate training entities.
  • Submits training records in a timely manner.
  • Serves as subject matter expert for the design of new training.
  • Tests/evaluates new training courses and instructional materials.
  • Tests/evaluates new and updated firearms, ammunition, and related equipment.
  • Assists with equipment inventory and maintenance for assigned training programs.
  • Maintains requisite levels of proficiency in all duty-related techniques and procedures to include 90% on all graded DS courses of fire.
  • Employee will require supervision and has limited opportunity to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the line of work.
  • Periodic local travel may be required as well as occasional travel within and outside the United States to support/conduct training.
  • May be requested and required to participate in Proposal Support functions due to expertise  

Supervisory Responsibility

None required for this position

 

Work Environment

  • Ability to work in unpleasant or adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme hot and cold.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Ability to complete work requiring regular and recurring physical and mental exertion, long periods of standing, and irregular hours.
  • Ability to work in unpleasant or adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme hot and cold.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Evening and weekend hours required, as required by business need.

Travel

Travels as necessary to other U.S. and foreign training sites, though it is not expected such travel will exceed 25% of total work time.

 

Experience 1-3 (one-three) years of firearms instructor experience required with evidence of increasing work responsibility in a firearms training environment.

Education Must have a high school diploma.

   

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  •  Must be a certified firearms training instructor; completion of a recognized instructor development training course preferred.
  • Must have excellent people and organizational skills.
  • Must be proficient in firing, handling, and giving instruction on a variety of revolvers, pistols, submachine guns, carbines, rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers.
  • Expert knowledge of health and safety standards for firearms ranges and training facilities.
  • Knowledge of security concepts, principles, and practices to provide basic training in the application of firearms use.
  • Knowledge of security programs, operations, and techniques, including terrorism and anti-terrorism operations, use of force, civil liability, with respect to firearms and appropriate techniques, tactics, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of current protective security methods to provide instruction that is consistent with currently accepted methods and practices.
  • Familiarity with the functions, responsibilities, and duties of Foreign Service personnel preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of adult learning principles, course development, classroom and practical instructional presentation methods, and methods for evaluating training effectiveness.
  • Basic knowledge of the development and revision of training curriculum.
  • Ability to maintain requisite knowledge of U.S. Constitutional Law, case law, and DS policies related to firearms and use of force.
  • Ability to immediately analyze, predict, and preclude situations to ensure training is conducted in a safe manner.
  • Ability to establish and maintain liaison with personnel at all levels in order to plan and coordinate assigned responsibilities.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to present training to a variety of audiences.

Security Clearance

Must be a US citizen and possess or be able to obtain/maintain a SECRET security clearance.

Drug Free Workplace

All Native Group is a Drug Free Workplace. It is our policy that all new hires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment. In addition, all employees are subject to random drug screens throughout the term of their employment with All Native Group.

 

About Ho-Chunk, Inc. & All Native Shared Services

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an award-winning economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Our mission is to provide long-term economic development for the Winnebago Tribe and job opportunities for Tribal members.

HCIMS is a company within All Native Group, a network of small businesses that support the critical missions of various U.S. Government customers. Our capabilities include telecommunications, health, logistics, specialized training, professional services, and IT solutions. Since earning our first federal contract in 2004, we have continued to grow and diversify our services while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence. As a tribally owned organization, All Native Group operates multiple subsidiary businesses, providing clients with the advantages of working with a small business while leveraging the resources and expertise of a larger, established company.

Our work is guided by our core NATIVE values:

  • Native American Owned & Proud - Serving the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
  • Accountable - To always do what's right.
  • Team-Focused - For inclusive progress.
  • Innovative - In creating solutions.
  • Visionary - In our purpose and direction.
  • Excellence - Through learning and performance.

AAP/EEO Statement

All Native Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected compensation range for this position is $86,000 to $88,000 per year negotiable depending upon education and experience. We offer comprehensive benefits that allow you to balance work and life. A benefits summary is available from this link: https://jobs.allnativegroup.com/categories/1/benefits/1/employee-benefits.

 

   #LI-KG1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME