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Gun Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Training Instructor

Reston, VA · On-site

$34.36/hr

Accountable for managing unforeseen issues and setbacks within classroom, venues or gun ranges ... Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts * Conducts ...

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Gun Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$21

$35

How much do gun instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for gun instructor in Virginia is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 some 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 are Gun Instructors?

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.

Can a civilian become a firearms instructor?

Yes, civilians can become firearms instructors if they meet state and federal requirements, which often include holding valid firearm licenses, completing instructor certification courses, and demonstrating proficiency with firearms. Many organizations, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), offer certification programs for civilian instructors. Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction and organization, and ongoing training is typically necessary to maintain credentials.

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.

What job categories do people searching Gun Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Gun Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Gun Instructor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Gun Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Gun Instructor job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,724 per year, or $21 per hour.

Ground Security Tactics Instructor Virginia Beach Virginia

BEI Tactical

Virginia Beach, VA

$42.90K - $57.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

BEI Tactical is a Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business providing unique services and high-end products to the government and commercial industry. BEI Tactical s core values come from its quality work force. We seek proven professionals that add value to our customers challenges, and make BEI Tactical a TEAM where people WANT to work. Our philosophy is Solutions through Relationships, whether its a product or service, let us help you solve your challenges.
BEI Tactical requires the below position for a future anticipated award. When awarded, we will support the MAREXSECGRU TEU with Ground-qualified HRTIs, proficient in Embarked Security, Aircraft Security, and Position Defense training, Virginia Beach Virginia.
This effort encompasses contractor support to provide MAREXSECGRU TEU a support team of Subject Matter Experts experienced in specialized Maritime Expeditionary Security Force skills and operations in order to primarily execute HRT in the course of training and creating curriculum for MESF companies, platoons, patrol boat crews, and other special purpose maritime security teams in Coastal Maritime operations, HVU protection, combat shooting techniques, tactical vehicle and convoy operation, Expeditionary Designated Marksman EDM), Ground Operations, Small Unit Tactics, Embarked Security Team (EST), and Aircraft Security Teams (AST), and critical time-intensive administrative functions .
This land-based module of instruction teaches individuals how to operate as a team in the operation and defense of Entry Control Points and establishment/defense of camp perimeters. Training entails exercise of established preplanned responses and various roles and duties of a ground security element, and includes the firing of both small arms and crew-served weapons blanks .
The following position is required for this effort:
Position: Ground Security Tactics Instructor, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Experience Requirements:
  • Must be a graduate of a certified Navy Instructor Training Course (NEC 9502, 9501, or 9518) or equivalent (Completion of a civilian (or commercial) formal course of instruction, which has been evaluated and certified as a JIT/NITC equivalence by the Center for Professional Development). Consideration will be additionally granted for experience as a Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, and/or Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, or similar military instructor qualification. One year of instructional experience in lieu of designation (as evidenced by DD214, course certificates, etc.
  • Must have USN Naval Coastal Warfare, Maritime Expeditionary Security, Riverine, Coast Riverine or Special Operations (USN SEAL, or Special Warfare Combat Crewman) experience.
  • Must be a graduate of Blackwater, Mid-South Shooting Institute, Gryphon or SFAUC, or MCAUC small arms weapons training. Equivalent tactical small arms weapons training schools will be considered.
  • Prior military shall have Honorable Discharge from Active-Duty Military service, with favorable reenlistment code.
  • Qualified Navy or civilian industry standard equivalent Range Safety Officer for small arms and CSW static and dynamic live-fire ranges
Instructors MUST:
  • Must meet Navy High-Risk Training requirements as outlined in OPNAVINST 1500.75 series.
  • Must provide proof of recent (within three years) first aid certification or Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
  • Must possess valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
  • Must have Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess proof of recent, within the past 3 years of qualifications for the following weapons systems:
    • M9 Pistol or designated replacement
    • M4/M16 (or variants) Rifle
    • M500 Shotgun
  • Additionally, instructors must be able to qualify with the following weapons systems as required:
    • M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle
    • M240 Machine Gun
    • M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun
    • M203 Grenade Launcher
    • Mk38 Mod 2 25mm Machine Gun
    • MK50 Remote Weapon Station
    • Other weapon systems as assigned
  • Must have SECRET Clearance
Basic Instructor Responsibilities and Requirements:
  • Meet and maintain eligibility for high-risk training instructors, as delineated in CORIVFORINST 1500.1 series and supporting references.
  • Perform basic to advanced levels of classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula, including nighttime exercises as required.
  • Maintain an instructor training binder with approved personalized course materials to be utilized during instruction.
  • Perform and observe the safe operations of, including, but not limited to, authorized weapons systems, small craft, tactical vehicles, assorted support equipment, and authorized technical training equipment, including laser systems and synthetic weapons trainers.
  • Perform course preparations to include, but not limited to, preparation of classroom, weapons loading, weapons mounting, target placement, computer set up, practical area set up, vehicle staging, etc.
  • Perform operator level weapons cleaning, maintenance and repairs of all authorized weapons systems and ranges.
  • Participate in material maintenance of existing curricula following Government authorized processes.
  • Obtain course qualifications in accordance with approved guidance.
  • Complete and maintain require Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for each watch station that the instructor is training or evaluating personnel on.
  • Perform general facility cleanup to include but not limited to, trash removal, sweeping, swabbing, kitchen, appliances, lounge, bathroom, TOC areas, and ranges.
  • Additional courses designed to basic and advanced Maritime Expeditionary Security maritime and ground tactics may be added in the future as MESF missions and responsibilities mature
BEI Tactical Offers:
  • Funding for Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Short Term Disability (at no cost to you) and LTD
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Federal Holidays each year
BEI Tactical is an AA / EOE / M / F / Disability / VET / Drug Free Employer