Gunsmithing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Gunsmithing is a technical discipline focused on the precision fabrication, restoration, and customization of firearms. This program equips learners with the advanced skills needed to interpret engineering plans, execute intricate modifications, and ensure optimal performance and safety in a variety of firearm systems.
- Firearm Design and Engineering Principles: Study of foundational mechanics, structural integrity, and functional components that govern firearm operation and reliability.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Documentation: Interpretation of detailed schematics, manufacturing drawings, and specification sheets to guide accurate assembly and modification.
- Material Science and Metalworking Techniques: Application of knowledge in alloys, heat treatment, and machining processes to fabricate or repair critical firearm parts.
- Gunsmithing Tools and Equipment Operation: Mastery of precision hand tools, lathes, milling machines, and measuring instruments used in high-tolerance firearm construction.
- Firearm Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of federal and state laws, safety protocols, and ethical standards governing firearm handling, modification, and documentation.
- Customization and Performance Enhancement: Techniques for tailoring firearms to individual user needs, including ergonomic adjustments, accuracy tuning, and aesthetic refinements.
- Diagnostic Troubleshooting and Repair Methods: Systematic approaches to identifying malfunctions and implementing effective, durable solutions for both modern and vintage firearms.
Gunsmithing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Gunsmithing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Gunsmithing degrees, including Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 183,690 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other 49-9099 | $48,640 | $35,270 - $77,150 | 183,690 | $23.39 |
Gunsmithing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $44,240 in Nebraska to $80,230 in Alaska—a 81% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Hawaii, and Mississippi. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 183,690 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Gunsmithing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Gunsmithing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Gunsmithing is found at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) (2,121 graduates), Montgomery Community College (85 graduates), Colorado School of Trades (71 graduates), Yavapai College (40 graduates), and Trinidad State College (TSC) (37 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,555 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
2,121 | Tempe, Arizona | Private | sdi.edu |
| Montgomery Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
85 | Troy, North Carolina | Public | montgomery.edu |
| Colorado School of Trades |
Associate's
|
71 | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | schooloftrades.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Trinidad State College (TSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Trinidad, Colorado | Public | trinidadstate.edu |
| Pennsylvania Gunsmith School (PGS) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
36 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | pagunsmith.edu |
| Black River Technical College (BRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Pocahontas, Arkansas | Public | blackrivertech.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Other Award
|
23 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| M T Training Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Private | mttrainingcenter.org |
| Piedmont Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | Roxboro, North Carolina | Public | piedmontcc.edu |
| Lenoir Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Kinston, North Carolina | Public | lenoircc.edu |
| Murray State College (MSC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Tishomingo, Oklahoma | Public | mscok.edu |
| Marshalltown Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Marshalltown, Iowa | Public | mcc.iavalley.edu |
| Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Torrington, Wyoming | Public | ewc.wy.edu |
| Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Pine City, Minnesota | Public | pine.edu |
| Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Kalispell, Montana | Public | fvcc.edu |
| Gaston College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Gunsmithing programs
How much can I earn with a Gunsmithing degree?
Salaries for Gunsmithing graduates vary by role and location. Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other earn a median of $48,640 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $80,230 compared to $44,240 in Nebraska. Approximately 183,690 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Gunsmithing programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Gunsmithing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) (2,121 graduates), Montgomery Community College (85 graduates), and Colorado School of Trades (71 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Gunsmithing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 238 in 2010 to 2,555 in 2023-24. This represents a 974% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Gunsmithing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 183,690 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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