Those performing the job of a gunsmith maintain, repair firearms and build them from scratch. In this job, you have a wide range of skills and a broad knowledge of firearms. Gunsmiths do a lot of different tasks, and above all, the firearms they work on to create or repair have to be safe. Gunsmiths often have their shops or work with others in their shops. They do have an inventory of current weapons, parts for those weapons, ammunition supplies, cleaning supplies and tools used to work on weapons.
If you have been thinking about becoming a gunsmith and what you can expect. You may be thinking about how much you can make and what type of requirements there are for the career. Gunsmith salary expectations vary by area and level of expertise, as well as training and education, but the legal requirements are the same for everyone.
How Much is a Gunsmith Salary?
If you’re looking to get rich you probably will not want to become a gunsmith. However, if you love guns and want to be of service to those who need them to defend themselves or our country, salary considerations may be secondary to your interest in the career.
There are many good opportunities, however, to make a decent living as a gunsmith.
Salaries for gunsmiths are based on experience, education, and training. Many gunsmiths are amateurs and they tend to work on their own weapon and those of their associates, for no real money.
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Levels of Professional Gunsmiths and It’s General Gunsmith Salary
There are four major groupings or levels of professional gunsmiths. Take a look at those levels and the general salary expectations for those groups here:
1. Entry level
This group of gunsmiths includes beginners and those fresh out of training and ranges from 0 to 5 years of experience. The average expected salary in this group can go up to $32,000 a year on average.
2. Mid-Career
Gunsmiths in this range usually have about 5 to 10 years of experience and have undergone all the training, apprenticeships and so forth, and are now established members in the field. Gunsmiths with this level of experience can expect about a $40,000 a year salary including tips and overtime pay.
3. Experienced
Well-experienced gunsmiths with 10 to 20 years of experience fall into this category. These are expert gunsmiths with a great degree of knowledge who can perform expert repairs and work and are sought after by many. These gunsmiths can expect to receive around $49,000 a year in total income, on average, from their profession.
4. Late-Career
Seasoned veteran gunsmiths working late in their career can make about $52,000 a year in income on average, give or take. Some of these professionals take on the additional tasks of instruction or training others in the field.
What are the Requirements for Becoming a Gunsmith According to Gunsmith Salary?
If you want to become a gunsmith, you are going to have to be able to pass a background check and file an FFL or federal firearms license and obtain it. There are certain stringent requirements, and it takes a period to accomplish. You will not pass a background check if any of the following apply to you:
You have:
- received a dishonorable discharge from the military.
- are unable to pass a drug test.
- been convicted of a felony where are the domestic abuser.
- a restraining order against you.
- experienced challenges with drugs or alcohol.
If you have:
- a mental health history or have been placed in an institution.
- violated the Gun Control Act.
- are under the age of 21 years old.
License
A federal firearms license required for anybody who works as a gunsmith. Or who deals with firearms on a regular basis such as of firearms dealer or someone who sells ammunition.
It will take at least 60 days from the time you apply for your FFL. To the time that you get it in ideal circumstances, and it can take longer.
You will be required to meet with an officer from the ATF. And continue to meet the requirements of your background check to qualify to work as the gunsmith. Also, there may be license in your area that you have to acquire to do business as a gunsmith.
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