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Gun Instructor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Secondary Firearms Instructor - Part Time

Nashville, TN

$30.44 - $41.18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is ... Exposure to expelled gun-powder as a result of fired ammunition is expected; and the employees must ...

Gun Instructor information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$19

$32

How much do gun instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for gun instructor in Tennessee is $19.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gun instructor?

Gun Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to safely handle, operate, and maintain firearms. They provide instruction on firearm laws, responsible ownership, marksmanship, and safety protocols. Gun Instructors often work in shooting ranges, law enforcement agencies, or private organizations, and may help students prepare for licensing exams or concealed carry permits. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that students are competent and confident in handling firearms while prioritizing safety at all times.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a gun instructor?

To thrive as a Gun Instructor, you need extensive firearms knowledge, safety expertise, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or state-specific licenses. Familiarity with firearms training simulators, range safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is also important. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness help instructors effectively teach diverse students and maintain a safe learning environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring responsible gun handling, safety compliance, and positive training outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by gun instructors during training sessions?

Gun instructors often encounter challenges such as varying student experience levels, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and adapting teaching methods to different learning styles. Managing group dynamics and maintaining focus during live-fire exercises can also be demanding. Successful instructors are skilled at creating a supportive environment while consistently reinforcing safety and responsible firearm handling, making adaptability and strong communication essential traits for the role.

What is the difference between Gun Instructor vs Firearms Trainer?

AspectGun InstructorFirearms Trainer
CertificationsState-specific firearm safety and instructor certificationsSimilar certifications, often including NRA or state licenses
Work EnvironmentGun ranges, training facilities, outdoor settingsGun ranges, private training, security training environments
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, civilian firearm safety, shooting schoolsMilitary, law enforcement, civilian self-defense, security

Gun Instructors and Firearms Trainers often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on firearm safety and shooting skills. The main difference lies in their typical employment sectors and specific training focus, with Gun Instructors more commonly associated with civilian and recreational shooting, while Firearms Trainers may work more broadly in security and law enforcement contexts.

How hard is it to become a gun instructor?

Becoming a gun instructor typically requires obtaining relevant certifications, such as a firearms instructor license or certification from a recognized agency, which involves completing training courses and passing exams. Candidates often need prior shooting experience, a clean background check, and sometimes a certain amount of practical teaching hours, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual skills and preparation.

What are popular job titles related to Gun Instructor jobs in Tennessee?

For Gun Instructor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Gun Instructor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Gun Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Gun Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,028 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Secondary Firearms Instructor - Part Time

GDIT

Nashville, TN

$30.44 - $41.18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

None

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

SCA

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Firearms, Firearms Training, Security Policies

Certifications:

None

Experience:

5 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

No

Job Description:

Job Description

GDIT has an amazing opportunity for a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) to provide world-class support to our clientele. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you are the foundation of our overall approach to support. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) joining our team to bring professionalism and initiative to a fast-paced environment that offers options for training, certification, and career advancement. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

HOW A Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
  • The Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) supports the Lead Firearms Instructor (LFI) during the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Requalification Training sessions. The SFI assists the LFI as directed in the preparation; completion; and post session clean-up requirements of all FFDO Semi-annual Firearms Requalification sessions.

  • Ensures student safety during dry-fire and live-fire training venues.

  • The SFI provides one-on-one instruction to students during the pre-qualification (warm-up) course of fire; and any remedial training as designated by the LFI.

  • The SFI must possess the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate law enforcement training concepts and issues to a diverse audience; and must possess the demonstrated ability to instruct in accordance with the principles of basic adult education; as well as platform and practical area instruction for law enforcement.

  • The SFI must have the ability to interpret; apply; and adhere to established program policies; standard operating procedures (SOPs); and lesson plans.

  • The SFI keeps all Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Sensitive Personally Identifying Information (SPII) secured appropriately both during and after a re-qualification session in compliance with the TSA MD 2100.2; Privacy and Information Collection Policy and TSA MD 1400.3 TSA Information Security Policy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • Required Experience: SFIs must have a minimum of 5 years of formal experience as an instructor in ALL of the following law enforcement disciplines: firearms; defensive tactics/measures; and use of force.

  • The SFI must be a current or former certified law enforcement official or civilian employee having completed a military; state; county or municipally certified firearms training program.

  • Associates Degree; or the equivalent combination of education; technical certifications or training; or work/military experience.

  • The SFI must also comply with all Federal; state; and/or local requirements.

  • This position requires applicants to successfully complete the security application and pass a background investigation clearance prior to starting.*

Working Conditions The work is typically performed at an indoor or outdoor gun range. Employees will be required to handle weapons and ammunition in the course of their duties. Exposure to high volumes of noise due to the firing of weapons will occur and employees are required to wear hearing protection in the form of foam ear plugs as well as external hearing protection. Exposure to expelled gun-powder as a result of fired ammunition is expected; and the employees must wash hands after handling ammunition. Work may require some physical effort in the handling of light materials; boxes; or equipment. The above job description is not intended to be; nor should it be construed as; exhaustive of all responsibilities; skills; efforts; or working conditions associated with this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal (essential) functions of this job.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

The likely hourly rate for this position is between $30.44 - $41.18. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

8

Travel Required:

None

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA TN Nashville

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

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Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US