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Small Arms Instructor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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

... 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

See Texas salary details

$8

$20

$34

How much do small arms instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for small arms instructor in Texas is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $23.51 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.
What are popular job titles related to Small Arms Instructor jobs in Texas? For Small Arms Instructor jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Small Arms Instructor job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,949 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Weapons Based Instructor Lackland AFB, TX

Controlled Force

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

"CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT NOTICE: This position represents an ongoing contract requirement. We maintain an active candidate pool for immediate placement when vacancies occur. Qualified applicants will be promptly notified when opportunities become available. Please update your application status (add or remove yourself from consideration) as your employment interests change."

Position: Weapons Based Support Instructor

Location: Naval Technical Training Center – Lackland, JBSA-Lackland, TX (On-Site)

Overview: We seek highly skilled Weapons-Based Course Instructors to deliver specialized training in high-risk military courses. The role requires exceptional technical knowledge, military experience, and instructional expertise to prepare Navy personnel for tactical operations.

General Requirements:

  • Be a qualified instructor in accordance with the specific requirements identified in the following sections. Have 2 years of experience as an instructor delivering training.
  • Have knowledge of basic and advanced training techniques to include classroom management, Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs), and student motivation.
  • Have knowledge of computer technology application as it applies to instructional presentation.
  • Possess high personal standards of technical knowledge and professional competence in delivering training material.
  • Possess the ability to perform in a military environment.
  • Possess a familiarity with the organization and hierarchy of the U. S. Navy, military rank/grade structure.
  • Possess a knowledge of Navy and military terminology, and shipboard/installation environments and configurations.
  • Possess an excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to obtain a Favorable Tier 3 Background Investigation (See PWS Section 10).

Basic Qualifications:

  • Have attended the Navy Instructor Training Course (NITC) (A-012-0077) (or military service or civilian equivalent), or
  • Academic credentialing (teacher/professor), or
  • Instructor training via an academic institution. Academic ITC requirements should contain at a minimum 24-semester credit or quarter hours in the following:
    1. Effective communication and questioning techniques
    2. Adult learning theory and principles
    3. Instructional Delivery methods
    4. Lesson delivery performance laboratory
    5. Training environment management
    6. Inter-personal skills
    7. Evaluation and Feedback
  • Due to the rigorous and severe physical toll of high and moderate-risk training events, Instructors must be capable of performing all training evolutions to include all self-defense, tactical and dynamic maneuvers per the testing plan; including the ability to perform prolonged maneuvers effectively in the standing, kneeling and prone positions; ascend or descend ladders and go through narrow passageways; be free of any abnormal fear of heights and be able to quickly acclimate to extreme local environmental conditions (e.g., high heat, humidity).

Position Specific Requirements:

  • Possess at least two years of past military experience in a weapons-carrying and employment operational environment or equivalent experience as a Law Enforcement officer with a military or civilian security force
  • Possess a basic understanding of Military/Civilian Security Force techniques
  • Be qualified as a small arms weapons’ instructor. Specific qualification requirements are detailed below:
    1. Small Arms Weapons Instructor
      • All Weapons Based Instructor personnel shall have completed one of the small arms instructor courses listed in Chapter 3, paragraph 2.j.(1), (5), (6)-(9) of OPNAVINST 3591.1 (Small Arms Training and Qualification). The contractor shall ensure that contract instructors have completed the required courses, and that appropriate documentation is filed in the Instructor Training Jacket (ITJ). The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the prospective instructor can meet this requirement upon reporting for duty. Instructors shall be required to qualify while attending the appropriate course module during CUIT. Documentation of this qualification shall be maintained in the Instructor’s ITJ. Failure to qualify on assigned weapon(s) may result in termination.
    2. Small Arms Proficiency
      • All assigned weapons-based instructors shall re-qualify at least every 180 (+/- 15) days on the courses of fire and with the type of weapons they instruct and/or could instruct. Contract instructor personnel shall be provided the opportunity to sustain weapons qualification at the same time as military and Government civilian instructors. For these weapon qualifications, the Government shall provide, coordinate and schedule weapons, ammunition, and range facilities. Documentation of this qualification shall be included in the contractors ITJ.

Note: The semi-annual live-fire qualification requirement is more stringent than what is detailed in OPNAVINST 3591.1; however, since the schoolhouse environment dictates a higher level of proficiency, semi-annual live-fire qualification has been implemented for all CENSECFOR weapons-based training instructors.

  1. Line Coach (Small Arms)
    • All assigned weapons-based instructors shall complete the applicable Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for Line Coach (Small Arms) as contained in the Security Force Weapons PQS (NAVEDTRA 43466), and a letter of designation signed by the Primary Range Safety Officer (RSO). A copy of this letter of designation shall be filed in the ITJ. Upon completion of the aforementioned PQS, the Primary Range Safety Officer (RSO) shall nominate contract instructors for designation as a Line Coach (Small Arms) to the NTTC Lackland CO.