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Small Arms Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

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 ...

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

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 ...

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

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 ...

Armada Ltd

Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor

TX · On-site

The Tactical Weapons Based Support Instructor provides instruction in specialized tactical areas including small arms employment, tactical shooting, defensive tactics, non-lethal weapons employment ...

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Small Arms Instructor information

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How much do small arms instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

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Small Arms Instructor jobs near you
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, 13% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Tactical Convoy Instructor Virginia Beach Virginia

BEI Tactical

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct classroom and practical field instruction on tactical convoy operations and related skills.

  • Support the development and delivery of training curriculum for maritime security and tactical operations.

  • Ensure safe operation of weapons systems, tactical vehicles, and support equipment during training activities.

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 customer’s challenges, and make BEI Tactical a TEAM where people WANT to work. Our philosophy is “Solutions through Relationships”, whether it’s 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 high-risk course is intended to teach MSRON members how to plan and conduct tactical convoys in support of MESF operations worldwide.  Tactics focus primarily on Required Operational Capabilities/Project Operating Environment tactics but can be modified to meet any theater of operation.  This is high-risk training due to maneuvering mixed armored vehicles in close proximity on both on and off-road courses and can include live fire using CSW from moving vehicles. 
The following position is required for this effort:
Position:  Tactical Convoy 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