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How to Become a Gunsmith:The Ultimate Guide & Step-by-Step Instructions Gunsmith - The Ultimate Guide

Many people have a strong passion for becoming a gunsmith.

Perhaps their interest was sparked because they enjoy gun collecting or are a gun enthusiast.

These people have developed a love for fixing up and maintaining guns.

Interestingly enough, they can take their hobby and turn it into a career.

A thorough background in woodworking, machining, and metalworking is just what is needed to get started.

You can’t be a gunsmith without knowing how to handle a gun like a pro.

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Job Description: What Does a Gunsmith Do

If you have an interest in designing, building, and repairing guns, a career as a gunsmith may be for you.

When a gunsmith is hired to design and build a gun, they will meet with the client to determine their exact needs and wants.

Then, they plan, build, and revise until the client is satisfied with the gun.

Often gunsmiths are hired to repair a gun that is broken or to add parts and accessories.

They may do jobs such as mount or fix a scope or change weapon to make it more accurate.

Duties

  • Make guns to meet clients’ specifications
  • Assemble and disassemble guns for cleaning or repair
  • Clean guns
  • Solve problems clients have with their gun
  • Customize guns by engraving or other means
  • Repair and sell guns

Gunsmith Salary: How Much Does It Pay

The median salary for a gunsmith is $39,935.

A gunsmith’s salary varies depending on their education and experience.

Learning about the trade as an apprentice is one way to gain valuable skills and knowledge.

They may also work for a large gun and firearm manufacturer and gain expertise and insight.

Some courses are available that would go along with a higher salary.

Gunsmiths work at various locations.

They may work independently in their own shop, at a store that sells guns, or perhaps even at a sporting goods store.

They setting in which they work will also play a part in the salary they earn.

  • Annually
  • Monthly
  • Hourly

Annually National Average Salary: $57,290

$38K $46K $57K $65K $80K 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Monthly National Average Salary: $4,750

$3.2K $3.8K $4.8K $5.4K $6.7K 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Hourly National Average Salary: $27.55

$18.63 $22.38 $27.55 $31.29 $38.59 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%

Average Annual Salary by State

StateAvg. Annual Salary
Alabama$51,970
Arizona$53,750
Arkansas$45,140
California$59,120
Connecticut$58,050
Florida$49,250
Georgia$51,430
Illinois$54,220
Indiana$71,700
Iowa$62,520
Kansas$58,680
Kentucky$53,810
Louisiana$57,470
Massachusetts$52,810
Michigan$46,390
Minnesota$60,900
Mississippi$42,510
Missouri$54,970
Nebraska$48,570
Nevada$58,590
New Hampshire$51,970
New Jersey$63,880
New Mexico$47,250
New York$64,850
North Carolina$44,610
Ohio$53,730
Oklahoma$46,750
Oregon$62,240
Pennsylvania$57,560
Rhode Island$44,080
South Carolina$45,160
Tennessee$54,140
Texas$48,540
Utah$64,800
Virginia$51,020
Washington$62,510
West Virginia$48,950
Wisconsin$50,960

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Indiana, where the average salary is $71,700.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Indiana - $71,700New York - $64,850Utah - $64,800New Jersey - $63,880Iowa - $62,520

Average Monthly Salary by State

StateAvg. Monthly Salary
Alabama$4,250
Arizona$4,417
Arkansas$3,750
California$4,917
Connecticut$4,833
Florida$4,083
Georgia$4,250
Illinois$4,500
Indiana$5,917
Iowa$5,167
Kansas$4,833
Kentucky$4,417
Louisiana$4,750
Massachusetts$4,333
Michigan$3,833
Minnesota$5,000
Mississippi$3,500
Missouri$4,500
Nebraska$4,000
Nevada$4,833
New Hampshire$4,250
New Jersey$5,250
New Mexico$3,917
New York$5,333
North Carolina$3,667
Ohio$4,417
Oklahoma$3,833
Oregon$5,167
Pennsylvania$4,750
Rhode Island$3,667
South Carolina$3,750
Tennessee$4,500
Texas$4,000
Utah$5,333
Virginia$4,250
Washington$5,167
West Virginia$4,000
Wisconsin$4,167

Monthly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Indiana, where the average salary is $5,917.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Indiana - $5,917Utah - $5,333New York - $5,333New Jersey - $5,250Iowa - $5,167

Average Hourly Salary by State

StateAvg. Hourly Salary
Alabama$24.98
Arizona$25.84
Arkansas$21.70
California$28.42
Connecticut$27.91
Florida$23.68
Georgia$24.72
Illinois$26.07
Indiana$34.47
Iowa$30.06
Kansas$28.21
Kentucky$25.87
Louisiana$27.63
Massachusetts$25.39
Michigan$22.30
Minnesota$29.28
Mississippi$20.44
Missouri$26.43
Nebraska$23.35
Nevada$28.17
New Hampshire$24.99
New Jersey$30.71
New Mexico$22.71
New York$31.18
North Carolina$21.45
Ohio$25.83
Oklahoma$22.47
Oregon$29.92
Pennsylvania$27.67
Rhode Island$21.19
South Carolina$21.71
Tennessee$26.03
Texas$23.34
Utah$31.16
Virginia$24.53
Washington$30.05
West Virginia$23.53
Wisconsin$24.50

Hourly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Indiana, where the average salary is $34.47.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Indiana - $34.47New York - $31.18Utah - $31.16New Jersey - $30.71Iowa - $30.06 * Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey. Conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. * Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Gunsmith

Step 1Acquire Skills and Knowledge

To get started on your career journey of becoming a gunsmith, you will need to learn some of the tricks of the trade.

There are many ways this can be accomplished. In fact, your gunsmith journey may start as just a hobby in this field.

This is a good way to help you learn the basic skills such as woodworking and metalworking.

A solid background is math is also helping because you will be measuring and calculating.

A basic knowledge of common hand tools used to sand, chisel, grind, and polish are very useful skills to learn.

Courses in gunsmithing are available or you may want to learn by doing in an apprenticeship.

Either way, you will need to learn about ballistics, writing, algebra, drafting, and woodworking.

Some of these courses are taught at the high school level and at some technical colleges.

Step 2Get On-The-Job Experience

Gunsmithing is a recognized apprenticeship program so you may find a place to work as a gunsmith’s helper.

Any work whether part-time or even as an observer will allow you to learn the trade.

You will learn why you need lots of patience and pay close attention to details.

Step 3Obtain Formal Education or Training

Some technical colleges and community colleges offer courses in Gunsmithing. It is possible to earn a diploma or an associate degree at these institutions.

Programs may require as little as 6 months to earn a diploma or certificate or may require two years and culminate with an associate degree.

Some non-credit earning courses are offered by the National Rifle Association.

Step 4Verify Licensing Requirements

To become a gunsmith, it is very likely that any potential employer or educational program will require you to pass a background check.

This check affirms that you are legally able to possess a firearm.

Of course, this would also be a requirement to work on them as well.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives require that gunsmiths hold a valid Federal Firearms License if they build or sell firearms.

In order to obtain a Federal Firearms License, the applicant must be 21 years old or older.

Along with the age requirement, certain other legal and ethical conditions must be met.

Additionally, some additional laws may require additional licensing in a specific city or town.

Step 5Locate a Job

When you have completed all necessary training and licensing, you are eligible to become employed as a gunsmith.

Gunsmiths have a wide variety of places where they can work.

Gun manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, and independently owned gun shops are just a few of the employment opportunities for a gunsmith.

Step 6Become a Member of a Professional Organization

In order to become part of the gunsmith network, consider joining a professional organization made up of gunsmiths all over the country.

This is an excellent way to meet others who are willing to share tips and craft information with you.

Gunsmithing Education & Requirements

Education as a gunsmith has several different pathways.

An individual hoping to become a gunsmith may attend colleges and technical schools across the country and hope to earn a degree, diplomas, or certificate.

Regardless of the method you select for learning, proper education is the best way to get started on a successful career.

A 6-month certificate/diploma gunsmithing program is available at many technical colleges.

Many programs like this are available online.

Student interested in gunsmithing can also obtain an associate degree at many colleges.

These programs take two years to complete.

The associate degree programs make sure you know and understand all the basics then they push you toward the expert level.

Regardless of the type of program, the topics covered will be similar.

They include:

  • Handling firearms safely
  • Categorizing firearms according to the way they look, the history behind the firearm, the manufacturer, and the appearance of the firearm
  • Efficiently assembling and disassembling of firearms
  • Correctly customize firearms
  • Modify firearm additions and accessories to meet the needs of the owner
  • Repair and apply various finishes on meta
  • Effectively use power tools and hand tool
  • Chemistry
  • Ballistics
  • Diagnosing firearms that do not function.

Some education courses are offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

These courses are short and do not provide any type credit.

Perhaps the NRA courses would be a great starting place for someone interested in becoming a gunsmith.

Education cannot be fully addressed without mentioning the benefit of an apprenticeship program.

If someone who has worked as a gunsmith for many years will allows you to come and learn from him, you will be gaining valuable experience and knowledge not found in a textbook.

If you plan to use your apprenticeship as an alternative to education at a school, applying for approval for your apprenticeship may be necessary.

After approval, you must work with the gunsmith for a stated number of hours in order to earn your designation.

Video About The Career

Certification & Licensing

Gunsmiths’ often take possession of firearms that belong to another person.

Because of this change of hands, they must hold a valid Federal Firearms License.

In order to have an FFL, the holder must be 21 years old or older and provide information similar to the information given for a background check.

The requirements for holding a Federal Firearms License are very strict.

The gunsmith who has an FFL must prove that a separate work building is provided that is not a part of the residence.

This building is where all gunsmith work is supposed to be completed.

Before an FFL is issued, an agent comes to the gunsmith’s work area and inspects.

He ensures that the premises meet the specified code.

Additionally, he speaks with the applicant before granting the license.

The questions asked during his interview ensure that you know and understand gun safety and that you know what you are doing with the firearms.

Requirements state that the firearms must be kept in a locked area when not being serviced or repaired.

Details of every transaction must be recorded for every firearm that comes into and out of the building.

Certification Example:

Gunsmithing Certification

Average Training Program Duration: 1-2 Years

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Job Outlook & Growth for Gunsmithing

Gunsmiths are classified as metal and plastic workers for the purpose of statistics and comparison.

The job outlook for those individuals who work with metal and plastic is about a 5% decline.

While the traditional gunsmith career shows a potential decline in the next few years, job outlook looks better when considering different paths.

Gunsmiths make great employees for gun manufacturers.

A manufacturer will have an ample supply of firearms that have been returned for warranty repair.

This would be a career path that would offer an opportunity for advancement into management or design.

Gunsmiths could find their niche at the local law enforcement office.

Government agencies need to repair and maintain firearms carried by officers.

Finally, someone trained and licensed as a gunsmith may open their own business.

They would serve the gun owners in the community as they customize and repair broken firearms and install other parts.

Employment Growth Projection: -5%

21,4002023 20,4002033

That's a higher than average projected growth of -1,000 jobs.

Gunsmith: Interest Over Time

Should You Become a Gunsmith?(Data-Driven Review)

Overall Satisfaction: High

Overall Satisfaction

Working as a gunsmith can be a rewarding career for someone who already enjoys creating and working with firearms.

The activity that was once a hobby can now provide meaningful work and income.

A gunsmith utilizes creativity and expertise in making specialized guns.

Restoring a historic firearm to its former condition can be very rewarding.

Developing expertise gives a gunsmith an opportunity to become an acclaimed expert in the field.

Average Salary: High

Average Salary

Gunsmiths usually get paid hourly.

The average pay is $15 per hour.

The annual median salary for a gunsmith is $39,935.

Job Growth Outlook: Medium

Job Growth Outlook

To enhance your career as a gunsmith you will want to specialize in making, repairing, or restoring certain types of firearms.

When you develop your skills with a particular type of firearm, you can become an expert in this area.

With added knowledge and skills, you will be able to ask for higher pay.

Statistics show potential growth for this career at -5.

So, growth is marginal, but if you specialize or sharpen your skills, you can be one of the gunsmiths who are known for their skill and expertise.

Education Duration: 1-2 Years

Education Duration

Individuals who work as gunsmiths may learn the trade as an apprentice working under the leadership and supervision of an expert in the field.

An apprenticeship program is often an alternative to formal courses or education.

Gunsmithing programs are available at technical colleges that usually last about 6 months.

These programs culminate with a certificate.

Associate degrees may be earned at some colleges and universities.

To earn a degree in gunsmithing from a university will take two years.

Personal Skills Needed

Personal Skills Needed
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of mathematics
  • Precision woodworking skills
  • Ability to perform detail metalworking
  • An interest in firearms especially the history of guns
  • Manual dexterity
  • Familiarity with power tools—lathe, vises, drills, and other tools
  • Enjoy meeting people and getting to know them and their needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is the Average Salary of a Gunsmith?

A gunsmith earns $15.00 per hour.

This results in an annual median salary of $39,935.

Q. What License Is Required to Work as a Gunsmith?

Because gunsmiths will take guns that belong to others into their possession, they must hold a valid Federal Firearms license.

In order to obtain a Federal Firearms license, the applicant must be 21 years old and meet other legal and ethical standards.

Additionally, prior to attending any gunsmith program or working as an apprentice, an applicant will have to pass a background check.

Gunsmiths may not be a convicted felons.

Felons are not permitted to possess firearms.

Additional conditions on which an applicant may not pass the background check is domestic violence or restraining orders.

Any person who has been deemed mentally unstable or has ever been admitted to an institution for mental health may not become licensed as a gunsmith.

Q. What Is the Age Requirement to Become a Gunsmith?

Gunsmiths must be 21 years of age or older.

Q. How Many Hours Gunsmiths Work?

A gunsmith typically works a 40-hour normal workweek (Monday through Friday).

There may be times when a special project is due and extra work during the evenings of weekends is required.

Q. What Is the Difference Between a Firearms Engineer and a Gunsmith?

A firearms engineer identifies and corrects flaws in the design of exiting firearms.

Often, a firearms engineer collaborates with the military to create firearms needed to meet their specific needs.

A firearms engineer focuses on a the functionality of the firearm.

A gunsmith is more of an artisan who enjoys the firearm and its history.

A gunsmith focuses more on the creative aspect of firearms.

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Average Salary $46K Avg. Salary Job Outlook9% comment-2 Created with Sketch Beta. 13 13 Comments
  1. Avatar for Mike Mike

    Becoming a gunsmith has been a dream come true for me, I love guns like many Americans, and having a career revolving around my passion has been very rewarding.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Ohkwari Olton Ohkwari Olton

    I am 33 years of age and my only knowledge of gun repair comes from 2 years as an arms room clerk in the military. I am not sure if my training from AROC (several years ago) is still valid. Would I still need to go through schooling and or apprenticeship?

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Robert T. Robert T.

    How about being an apprentice for gunsmithing at 58. I injured my back and had back surgery. and can’t do the job in construction I’ve been doing for 45+ years. love guns shooting taking about to clean. and I did do some online gunsmith at Stratford career ins. During the covid. and got a diploma. But didn’t work on any guns. love to do that for my new career. And can’t really afford these schools AGI. AND I love the range, and the down-to-earth people there. I’m in Cali. Tho. any suggestions/ help. Gunsmiths in riv. county, Cali needs a 58-year-old apprentice. Thank you…

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Dustin Russell Dustin Russell

    So weird question, I have a domestic violence charge so I can’t own a gun anymore. Is there anyway to pursue a career in building guns? I used to build ar-15s, aks, polymer 80 glock clones ect. And loved it and always dreamed of building custom guns. Is there anyway to go to school for it and still work on or build guns with that charge if I don’t intend on owning the firearms. Could I build them for someone else to sell or even just work on or customize them for a company? Could I even go to school for it to begin with?

    Reply
    1. Avatar for Justin Justin

      Simple answer is no, if you can’t own a firearm then you can’t get your FFL (required) to take possession of a firearm. Domestic violence, felony or admitted to a mental institution is always a no go.

      Reply
    2. Avatar for Robert Blair Robert Blair

      I think your best bet would be to talk to gunsmiths and see if they need someone to work on the “non-firearm” components. I’m no expert in the field, but I would imagine that you would be able to handle everything other than the parts legally considered firearms. Seeing as you can buy 3/4 of the firearms parts online, you would be able to do a lot. With that said, it will probably be difficult finding someone established that is willing to hire a helper that isn’t able to work with everything. Make friends in the field and go from tthere. I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to engrave stocks, modify uppers, etc. I could be very wrong, seeing as laws are weird, but if you’re set on it that’s where I would start.

      Reply
  5. Avatar for Johnnie Graham Johnnie Graham

    How to learn to be a Gunsmith in Scotland.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Mbulelo Philemon Ndzongana Mbulelo Philemon Ndzongana

    Hi I m Philemon Ndzongana from South Africa I m staying in Cape Town and working at Department of Correctional Services at Pollsmoor Prison I m working as a Firearm instructor. I would like to do a Gunsmith course is it possible that I do online course.Thank you

    Reply
    1. Avatar for Poof Lapooh Poof Lapooh

      Mboogoowa Bologna, yes.

      Reply
  7. Avatar for Zara Nor Zara Nor

    If you can, find a spot in a large gun and firearm manufacturer and gain expertise and insight. But if you can’t, take the course, have a thorough background in woodworking, machining, and metalworking and you are good to get started.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Newton Smith Newton Smith

    Courses in gunsmithing are available no doubt but I’ll always advise that one learn by doing an apprenticeship. Learning about the trade as an apprentice is one way to gain valuable skills and knowledge and it’s more practical.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Smith Oliver Smith Oliver

    Oops. A solid background in math? That’s definitely not me. I’m not good with measuring and calculations. But I do have basic knowledge of common hand tools used to sand, chisel, grind, and polish. I hope I can still start somewhere.

    Reply
    1. Avatar for David David

      Hi oliver this isnt necessarily true you need basic math skills that most people learned in highschool. The ability to read a chart for ballistics is helpful there is no date i can find on the article but some of the info on here is not quite right alot of gunsmithing can be learned from literally buying the manufacturing books from the weapons company of your intrest the FFL section of the article is also not quite right the ATF does not recognize any training , in otherwords you dont need any to obtain your FFL if thats the route your looking at as far as handling others firearms usally this is not an issue as long as you keep some kind of record. Hope this helps

      Reply

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