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Overview

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What is a gunsmith and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gunsmith. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.48 an hour? That's $44,684 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGunsmithUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,684

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.13%

Asian 3.11%

Black or African American 9.38%

Hispanic or Latino 15.57%

Unknown 5.10%

White 65.71%

Gender

female 2.24%

male 97.76%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Gunsmith career paths

Key steps to become a gunsmith

  1. Explore gunsmith education requirements

    Most common gunsmith degrees

    Associate

    37.5 %

    High School Diploma

    21.9 %

    Bachelor's

    21.1 %

  2. Start to develop specific gunsmith skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service16.15%
    Hand Tools9.63%
    Rifles7.54%
    Jigs5.93%
    Law Enforcement5.84%
    Show more

  3. Research gunsmith duties and responsibilities

    • Conduct ammunition inventory and lead maintenance team during quarterly magazine sprinkler inspections and certifications.
    • Assist customers in purchasing parts and ammunition.
    • Light use of electronics and PC equipment.
    • Install choke device on shotguns to control shoot pattern.

  4. Prepare your gunsmith resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your gunsmith resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a gunsmith resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable gunsmith resume templates

    Build a professional gunsmith resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your gunsmith resume.
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume
    Gunsmith Resume

  5. Apply for gunsmith jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a gunsmith job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first gunsmith job

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Average gunsmith salary

The average gunsmith salary in the United States is $44,684 per year or $21 per hour. Gunsmith salaries range between $27,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average gunsmith salary
$44,684 Yearly
$21.48 hourly

What am I worth?

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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