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Small Arms Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons Based Instructor II

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI); Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP); Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A); Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B); Submarine ...

Weapons Based Instructor II

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI); Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP); Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A); Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B); Submarine ...

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Kasson, MN

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Small Arms Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ...

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Richburg, NY

$16.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Small Arms Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ...

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Columbus, NM

$14.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Small Arms Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ...

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

Mishicot, WI

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Small Arms Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal Investigator; career-long development through leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ...

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Small Arms Instructor information

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How much do small arms instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for small arms instructor in the United States is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small arms instructor?

Small arms instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to safely handle, operate, and maintain small firearms such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns. They provide training on weapon safety, marksmanship, maintenance, and sometimes tactical use, depending on the needs of their clients, which can include military personnel, law enforcement officers, or civilians. Small arms instructors assess the skill level of trainees, design suitable training programs, and ensure all participants understand legal and ethical responsibilities related to firearm use.

What is the difference between Small Arms Instructor vs Firearms Instructor?

AspectSmall Arms InstructorFirearms Instructor
CertificationsTypically requires NRA or state-specific firearm safety and instructor certificationsOften requires NRA, state, or federal firearm instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, security, or civilian training facilitiesGun ranges, security firms, law enforcement, civilian training centers
Employer & IndustryMilitary, law enforcement agencies, private security, civilian trainingPrivate firearms training companies, law enforcement, civilian courses

Both roles focus on firearm safety and proficiency training, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job context, with 'Small Arms Instructor' often associated with military or law enforcement settings, while 'Firearms Instructor' is more common in civilian and private training environments.

What are some common challenges faced by small arms instructors when training diverse groups of students?

Small Arms Instructors often encounter challenges when teaching students with varying levels of experience and confidence with firearms. Adapting instructional methods to accommodate beginners while still engaging more advanced trainees requires strong communication and flexibility. Additionally, maintaining safety standards and ensuring that all trainees understand and follow protocols can be demanding in a dynamic training environment. Instructors must also frequently assess and address different learning speeds and styles to maximize proficiency across the group.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small arms instructor?

To thrive as a Small Arms Instructor, you need expert firearms proficiency, a strong understanding of weapon safety protocols, and relevant certifications such as NRA Instructor credentials or military training certificates. Familiarity with training simulators, range safety systems, and instructional materials is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learners are important soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, effective instruction, fostering confidence and skill development among trainees.
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What cities are hiring for Small Arms Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Small Arms Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Small Arms Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Arms Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Small Arms Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Small Arms Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Small Arms Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,026 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

SMALL ARMS REPAIRER

Army National Guard Units

North Las Vegas, NV • On-site, Remote

$34.45 - $40.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This position is for a SMALL ARMS REPAIRER, PD# D0331000, part of the Nevada Army National Guard. This position is located in the National Guard Marksmanship Training Unit. The primary purpose of the position is to rebuild, customize and maintain a variety of small arms used in competitive marksmanship.
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Duties
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1 Repairs, accurizes, overhauls, rebuilds, customizes and maintains a wide variety of small arms used in competitive marksmanship matches. Weapons include both domestic and foreign makes, military and non-military which have unusual operating characteristics and critical tolerances. Typical weapons are rifles, pistols and machine guns. Weapons are used for shooting at competitive levels ranging from unit level to international level.
2 Makes modifications to increase the accuracy and reliability of the weapons. Utilizing extensive knowledge of small arms operations and knowledge of other trades and crafts, machinist, stockmaker customizes new barrels, fits stocks using glass bedding techniques, modifies and precision fits the trigger mechanism and other components to obtain the desired weight and length of release and the degree of accuracy required. Operates a wide variety of machine tools such as drilling machines, grinders, lathes and milling machines used in the repair, modification, overhaul OP rebuilding of
match weapons. Custom fits international style equipment, both rifle and pistol, to each competitor.
3 Serves as instructor or assistant instructor in the Match Weapons Maintenance Course conducted each year for all states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Conducts classes on maintenance, care and cleaning of match weapons for state and national competitive squads. Participates in making video tapes for these instructional purposes.
4 Test fires each weapon to ensure compliance with established reliability and accuracy standards. Test fires each lot of ammunition with each weapon to identify compatibility. Maintains a high degree of safety in the shop and on the test ranges.
5 Performs required maintenance and repair of conventional as well as international match weapons.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
MILITARY REQUIREMENTS:
Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement.
In compliance with Title 32 United States Code, the compatible military skill set is determined by the applicable service manpower requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to the authorized position and its compatible military skill in accordance with Army skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military skill requirements in regard to training, education, certifications, experience. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
Compatible Military Assignment:
ENLISTED: E4 to E7
Compatible MOS: 91CMF
*Other Requirements & Conditions of Employment:
- National Guard Membership is required.
- Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Must maintain local network access IAW AR 25-2.
- Wear the uniform appropriate for the members' grade and component of the armed forces, maintaining standards of conduct and appearance.
- This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
- Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
- May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
- The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.
- For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Education requirement is based upon the qualification standards for the specific position and is stated under the heading "EDUCATION". Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific in describing your experience. EACH APPLICANT MUST FULLY SUBSTANTIATE IN THEIR OWN WORDS THAT THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE LISTED BELOW; OTHERWISE, THE APPLICANT WILL BE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION. DO NOT COPY FROM THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION OR YOU MAY BE DISQUALIFIED.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must have experience or training which demonstrates a working knowledge to read and interpret instructions, repair manual, specifications, and drawings; must have a knowledge of shop mathematics sufficient to use testing devices and measuring instruments; and be proficient in the use and maintenance of hand tools and equipment.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have experience or training to effectively and efficiently repair, overhaul, and rebuild small arms for both conventional uses and for weapons involving accurization; as well as experience to inspect, diagnose malfunctioning, wear and/or damage is required; ability to perform accurization procedures on weapons to improve their performance is required; experience to apply technical manuals, regulations, specifications and drawings to determine operation, assembly, and tolerances of the variety of weapons worked on is required for successful performance; experience using and maintaining a variety of hand and power tools and gages is required.
Education
There is no specific education requirement for this position. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Training/Educational claims. To receive credit for Training/Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Training/Education requirements for this position.
Additional information
- If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency
- This is a Bargaining Unit position.
- Applicants who feel they have restoration rights to this position should contact the HRO.
- Military Incentives - Bonuses and Student Loan Repayment Program: If you are selected for this position, you may lose your eligibility for your National Guard Enlistment/Reenlistment Bonus and/or Student Loan Repayment Program incentives. In order to avoid losing your incentive eligibility, you should check with your incentives manager prior to accepting an offer for the position.
- Participation in Direct Deposit is mandatory.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: In accordance with the State Merit Placement Plan, candidates will be considered in order of their area of consideration category as appropriate.
TERM POSITIONS: "Temporary-Not to Exceed" (TEMP) and "Temporary-Indefinite" (INDEFINITE) are considered to be TERM positions and are limited in duration to 4 years maximum. Employees reaching maximum TERM appointment limit of 4 years may be terminated.
CONVERSION OF TERM (TEMPORARY/INDEFINITE) POSITIONS: Positions advertised as TEMP or INDEFINITE may be non-competitively converted to INDEFINITE or PERMANENT without further at a future date contingent upon available funding. For TEMP PROMOTIONS, position may be non-competitively converted upon expiration of the incumbent's USERRA rights.
RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE: Recruitment and/or Relocation incentives may be available, if eligible. Incentives are subject to funding availability and TAG-NV approval and are not guaranteed.
PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS): PCS funding is NOT authorized. If you do not reside in the location of the position, you will be required to relocate at your own expense.
SELECTED RESERVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Acceptance of this position will cause termination of Federal bonuses pursuant to respective Selected Reserve Incentive Programs (SRIP). This termination may be with or without recoupment of payments already made.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US