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Small Arms Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ValCorp

$40K - $55K/yr

... small arms; communications equipment; night vision devices; nuclear, biological and chemical ... instructor manuals as needed.Coordinate and perform cyclic quality assurance assistance to ...

ValCorp

SME Technical Instructor

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

... small arms; communications equipment; night vision devices; nuclear, biological and chemical ... instructor manuals as needed.Coordinate and perform cyclic quality assurance assistance to ...

ValCorp

SME Technical Instructor - FRKS

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Serves as an instructor/course developer in one of the following logistic disciplines: Field and ... Small Arms Repair Parts (SARP) Assistance Visits and Verification Audits Qualification Needed

ValCorp

$40K - $55K/yr

Serves as an instructor/course developer in one of the following logistic disciplines: Field and ... Small Arms Repair Parts (SARP) Assistance Visits and Verification Audits Qualification Needed

Seventh Dimension

Combat Skills Instructor

Fort Dix, NJ · On-site

This position requires expertise in explosives handling, small arms proficiency, and the ability to instruct and evaluate students effectively. The Combat Skills Instructor will play a critical role ...

O Gara Training & Services LLC

Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Job Requirements:  Prior Military with Honorable Discharge  Possess a current DoD Secret Personal Security Clearance  Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) course (or ...

Seventh Dimension

Combat Skills Instructor

Fort Dix, NJ · On-site

This position requires expertise in explosives handling, small arms proficiency, and the ability to instruct and evaluate students effectively. The Combat Skills Instructor will play a critical role ...

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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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What states have the most Small Arms Instructor jobs?

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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.

Instructor and Assessor

PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Deliver classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula.

  • Prepare training areas, including weapons loading, target placement, and equipment setup.

  • Maintain training binders and course materials.

Job description

Position title: Instructor and Assessor

Location: Little Creek, Virginia

Clearance required: SECRET

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Delivering classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula.
  • Preparing training areas, including weapons loading, target placement, and equipment setup.
  • Conducting operator-level maintenance and cleaning of authorized weapons systems.
  • Maintaining training binders and course materials.
  • Completing and maintaining required Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for each watch station.

Education and Certification:

  • Must be a graduate of a certified Navy Instructor Training Course (e.g., NEC 9502, 9501, or 9518) or a civilian/commercial equivalent course certified as
  • JIT/NITC equivalency by the Center for Professional Development.
  • Must complete Core Unique Instructor Training (CUIT) and the Instructor Certification and Qualification Program (ICQP) prior to the performance start date.
  • Must complete command and course indoctrination, high-risk screenings, and CPR/AED/First Aid certifications.
  • Must be a qualified Range Safety Officer (RSO) or possess a civilian industry standard equivalent for small arms and crew-served weapons (CSW) static and dynamic live-fire ranges.
  • Must have recent (within three years) weapons qualifications for:
    • M9/M18 Pistol or designated replacement.
    • M4/M16 (or variants) Rifle.
    • M500 Shotgun.
  • Must be able to qualify on the following weapons systems as required:
    • M240 Machine Gun.
    • M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun.
    • M203 Grenade Launcher.
    • Other weapons systems as assigned.

Experience:

  • Must have at least one (1) year of instructional experience, as evidenced by documentation such as a DD-214 or course certificates.
  • Must have prior experience in one or more of the following areas: USN Naval Coastal Warfare, Maritime Expeditionary Security, Riverine, Coast Riverine, or Special Operations.
  • Experience from tactical small arms weapons training schools (e.g., Blackwater, Mid-South Shooting Institute, Gryphon, SFAUC, or MCAUC) or equivalent schools will be considered.
  • Must have an honorable discharge from active-duty military service with a favorable reenlistment code.
  • Must have recent (within three years) weapons qualifications for the M9/M18 Pistol (or replacement), M4/M16 Rifle, and M500 Shotgun.

Skills and Knowledge:

  • Must be able to qualify on the M240 Machine Gun, M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun, M203 Grenade Launcher, and other weapons systems as assigned.
  • Must complete knowledge and performance tests related to the course(s) assigned to teach.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must be capable of clearly writing and speaking in English.
  • Must adhere to and enforce all safety protocols and Navy policies, including those governing high-risk training environments.

Security Clearance and Physical Requirements:

  • Must maintain a Secret Clearance as required.
  • Must meet physical and psychological requirements, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in high-risk environments.

Apply