Is Gunsmithing A Good Career?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Gunsmithing careers give you exciting opportunities to work with firearms in different ways. In the course of your work, you may find yourself creating, repairing,

customizing

and designing a variety of guns. Careers in gunsmithing can prove rewarding and fascinating.

How much money can you make as a gunsmith?

In general, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies gunsmiths with metal and plastic machine workers. The

national median pay is $31,910 per year

. In order for a gunsmith to earn more, he must practice his trade for several years as an apprentice, with a firearms manufacturer or in a machine shop.

Does gunsmithing pay good?

Nationally, a gunsmith is

paid around $31,910 each year

. It’s less than many other professions, but the good thing is that the amount can increase over the years. … For example, a New York gunsmith can win $85,000, while states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Montana offer annual salaries between $61,000 and $79,000.

What is the average hourly rate for a gunsmith?

Percentile Hourly Pay Rate Location 25th Percentile Gunsmith Salary

$18

US
50th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $21 US 75th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $24 US 90th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $26 US

What are the benefits of being a gunsmith?

  • You Will Truly Understand Your Firearms. …
  • The Possibility of Making Your Hobby a Career. …
  • Flexibility. …
  • Being Part of a Historic Fraternity. …
  • A Rewarding Occupation. …
  • You Can Construct the Perfect Firearm. …
  • Safer Shooting.

Are gunsmiths in demand?

The demand for qualified gunsmiths is

projected to be steady in the coming years

, according to DegreeDirectory.com. The Department of Labor states that maintenance and repair jobs, including gunsmith positions, are projected to gradually increase between 2008 and 2018.

Is gunsmithing a dying profession?


Classical fine gunsmithing is a dying art

and there is demand for it, but I believe there is a huge field of modern gunsmithing work to be taught. Fiberglass stocks, aluminum chassis, CNC slide cuts etc. are a huge part of the modern gunsmithing market but were very much a rarity (or altogether absent) in school.

How much does a self employed gunsmith make?

Expected salary figures vary depending on information source. For example, on the lower end, the average pay for gunsmiths is reported at

$17.13 an hour

, according to PayScale. On the higher end, gunsmiths earned an average of $45,066 annually or $22.00 an hour according to the Economic Research Institute.

How much does a master gunsmith make a year?

Percentile Salary Location 25th Percentile Gunsmith Salary

$41,845

CA
50th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $48,121 CA 75th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $55,143 CA 90th Percentile Gunsmith Salary $61,536 CA

What is the best gunsmithing school in America?

  • Sonoran Desert Institute.
  • American Gunsmithing Institute.
  • Modern Gun School.
  • Ashworth College.
  • Penn Foster Career School.

How long is gunsmithing school?

How long does it take to become a gunsmith? It can take

two years or less to complete a gunsmith associate degree or certificate

, but it often takes several years of practice for gunsmiths to reach the level of expertise needed to open their own businesses.

How much money do gun shop owners make?

The whole making-money portion of this job mostly depends on your salesmanship skills, as well as the type of weapons you sell. Averaging

around $38,000 per year

, weapon sellers aren’t exactly rolling in it (source).

What can I do with a gunsmithing degree?

  • Gunsmithing. Gunsmiths build and maintain all types of guns, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns and tactical guns. …
  • Manufacturing. …
  • Maintenance and Repair. …
  • Restoration.

Can you learn gunsmithing in the military?

The

Army

offers a range of valuable opportunities for individuals interested in gunsmithing. Members in the army who are interested in a career in gunsmithing have the best opportunity to capitalize the training provided to them during their service.

Do you need a FFL to be a gunsmith?

In California, you

need to receive formal training and going through the proper channels for licensing

in order to be a gunsmith. … An FFL is also required to get the proper certifications and licenses in California.

Do you need a degree to become a gunsmith?

Typically, the most popular choice for an education in gunsmithing is

to earn a professional certificate

. Your second option is to earn an associate degree, however, this path would require other core classes, such as those in liberal arts, to obtain a college degree.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.