A gunsmith is a skilled tradesperson who services firearms. The work goes well beyond basic cleaning or part swaps. Gunsmiths are responsible for ensuring every weapon they touch meets strict standards for safety, mechanical function, and legal compliance. Primary duties include: Diagnosing and repairing mechanical malfunctions in rifles, shotguns, and handgunsCustomizing firearms with aftermarket stocks, triggers, barrels, or sighting systemsRefinishing metal and wood surfaces through bluing, parkerizing, cerakoting, or hand engravingFabricating or fitting replacement parts using lathes, milling machines, and hand toolsTest-firing repaired or modified firearms for function and accuracyMaintaining detailed acquisition and disposition records for every firearm received and returned In New York, gunsmiths also shoulder an additional layer of responsibility: verifying that every firearm they service complies with the state's assault weapon definitions, magazine capacity limits, and serialization requirements under the NY SAFE Act.

How to Become a Gunsmith in New York (2026): Steps, Licensing, and Salary

By Angelo MalitUpdated May 20, 2026

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New York pays gunsmiths well, but the licensing path is more demanding than in most states. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $53,550 for Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other (Standard Occupational Classification 49-9099), the broader category that includes gunsmithing, in New York. Because the BLS does not track gunsmiths as a separate occupation, actual gunsmith earnings may differ from this figure. Becoming a licensed gunsmith here requires formal training, a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and a separate state or local gunsmith license under New York Penal Law Section 400.00.

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Key Points

A gunsmith is a licensed professional who repairs, modifies, customizes, and builds firearms, ensuring each weapon is safe, functional, and compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $53,550 for the broader Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other category (SOC 49-9099) in New York, though actual gunsmith earnings may vary.
Gunsmithing diploma or certificate programs typically take 6 to 12 months, while associate degree programs run about two years.
National employment for this broader occupational category is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the 3.1% average for all occupations.
Operating a gunsmithing business in New York requires both an FFL and a state or local gunsmith license; employees working under an existing FFL holder generally do not need their own FFL but may need a New York State Pistol License if they handle handguns on the premises.

What Is a Gunsmith?

A gunsmith is a skilled tradesperson who services firearms. The work goes well beyond basic cleaning or part swaps. Gunsmiths are responsible for ensuring every weapon they touch meets strict standards for safety, mechanical function, and legal compliance.

Primary duties include:

Diagnosing and repairing mechanical malfunctions in rifles, shotguns, and handguns
Customizing firearms with aftermarket stocks, triggers, barrels, or sighting systems
Refinishing metal and wood surfaces through bluing, parkerizing, cerakoting, or hand engraving
Fabricating or fitting replacement parts using lathes, milling machines, and hand tools
Test-firing repaired or modified firearms for function and accuracy
Maintaining detailed acquisition and disposition records for every firearm received and returned

In New York, gunsmiths also shoulder an additional layer of responsibility: verifying that every firearm they service complies with the state's assault weapon definitions, magazine capacity limits, and serialization requirements under the NY SAFE Act.

How to Become a Gunsmith in New York in 5 Steps

Step 1: Confirm You Meet Eligibility Requirements

Before investing time or money in training, verify that you meet the baseline eligibility criteria for both federal and state licensing. Under New York Penal Law Section 400.00, you must be at least 21 years old, a legal United States citizen, and free of any felony conviction or other disqualifying offense. You must also maintain a place of business in the city or county where the license is issued. Both the ATF and New York State will conduct background checks during the licensing process, and any disqualifying history will block your application.

Check Dreambound for gunsmithing training programs to compare options by cost, format, and schedule.

Step 2: Complete Formal Training

New York has very few in-state gunsmithing schools, so most aspiring gunsmiths complete their training through out-of-state programs or accredited online courses. A solid program covers firearm design and function, precision machining, metalworking, stock fabrication and finishing, diagnostics, and repair techniques.

Diploma and certificate programs typically run 6 to 12 months. Associate degree programs take about two years and tend to include broader coursework in business operations, metallurgy, and computer-aided design. Hands-on shop time with actual firearms is a non-negotiable part of any quality program, so look for curricula that require project-based work rather than theory alone.

Step 3: Earn Certifications

There is no single mandatory certification for gunsmiths at the federal level. Completing an accredited program earns you a diploma or certificate that serves as proof of competence during the licensing process.

Beyond the training credential, optional certifications from industry organizations and manufacturers can strengthen your resume. Armorer certifications from specific brands (Glock, Smith & Wesson, or AR-15 platform manufacturers, for example) demonstrate specialized expertise that employers and customers look for. The American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) also offers coursework and credentials that carry recognition within the trade.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Build a professional portfolio documenting your repair work, restorations, and custom builds with high-quality photographs. Seek apprenticeships or entry-level positions at established gun shops, firearm repair centers, or manufacturers where you can work under a licensed gunsmith and learn the business side of the trade.

Industry events like the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show and regional gun shows are strong networking opportunities. Many job openings in this field are filled through word of mouth rather than formal postings, so building relationships with shop owners and fellow gunsmiths matters.

Step 5: Continue Developing Specialized Skills

New firearm platforms, optics systems, and suppressor technologies enter the market every year, and gunsmiths who keep pace with those changes command higher rates. Advanced courses in computer numerical control (CNC) machining, competitive firearm tuning, suppressor work (where legally permitted), and precision rifle building open doors to specializations that general-practice shops cannot offer.

If you plan to open your own shop, pair your technical training with coursework in small-business management, marketing, and firearms retail compliance. New York's regulatory environment adds complexity to running a gunsmithing business, so understanding state-specific record-keeping, zoning, and inspection requirements before you open your doors will save you time and legal trouble.

Gunsmith Licensing in New York: Federal, State, and NYC Requirements

Firearms licensing in New York is decentralized. Requirements, processing timelines, and local interpretations vary by county, so applicants should always confirm details with their local licensing authority before applying.

If you work at a shop that already holds an FFL, you generally do not need your own and can perform gunsmithing work under your employer's license. Under New York law, "firearm" refers specifically to pistols, revolvers, and certain short-barreled weapons, not rifles or shotguns. Employees who handle handguns on the premises typically need a valid New York State Pistol License, though enforcement varies by county and supervision level.

If you intend to operate your own business, you will need both a federal and a state or local license.

Federal Firearms License (FFL)

Business owners must obtain an FFL from the ATF. Most gunsmiths apply for a Type 01 FFL ("Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices"), which covers repair, modification, and parts fitting. The initial application (ATF Form 7) costs $200, with a $90 renewal every three years. An ATF Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) will conduct an in-person interview and premises inspection before approval, which typically takes about 60 days.

Gunsmiths who accept unserialized or Privately Made Firearms (PMF) must follow ATF marking and record-keeping requirements, though these rules have faced legal challenges. Verify the most current interpretation before accepting PMF work. If your work crosses into manufacturing firearms for sale, you would need a Type 07 FFL instead.

New York State Gunsmith License

A separate license is required under Section 400.00 of the Penal Law, administered locally by the county's designated licensing officer (a county court judge, sheriff, or other official, depending on jurisdiction).

Licenses are valid only at the business address listed on the application, expire no more than three years after issuance, and must be displayed at the premises and at any gun show. The statutory fee outside New York City is $10, though counties may charge additional processing fees. Eligibility mirrors pistol license requirements: at least 21 years old, United States citizen, good moral character, and no felony or serious offense convictions. The PPB-6 application is available through the New York State Police.

New York City Gunsmith License

The five boroughs require a separate license from the NYPD License Division under Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York. Applicants must demonstrate genuine business necessity, operate from a secured commercial location, and pass an in-person interview and extensive background investigation. Processing can take several months.

Proposed Legislation (2025-2026)

Several proposed bills at the state and federal levels could affect gunsmith licensing if enacted. At the state level, proposals to amend Section 400.00 of the Penal Law and to regulate three-dimensional printed firearms are under consideration. At the federal level, the RIFLE Act (H.R.624) and the ATF Accountability Act (H.R.607) would modify how the ATF enforces licensing laws.

None of these proposals have been signed into law as of April 2026. Monitor the New York State Senate and Congress websites for updates.

Gunsmith Salary and Job Outlook in New York

The BLS does not track "gunsmith" as a standalone occupation. Instead, gunsmiths fall under Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other (SOC 49-9099), a broad category covering specialized repair trades. Under that classification, the median annual salary in New York State is $53,550, according to the most recent BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data.

Nationally, employment in this broader category is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034. That growth rate is below the 3.1% average for all occupations. For gunsmiths specifically, New York's strict licensing requirements may reduce the number of active competitors in a given county, though that does not automatically translate to higher individual earnings. Demand, pricing power, and income depend heavily on location, specialization, and the size of the local firearms-owning population.

Gunsmiths in New York find work in several settings, including independent repair shops, retail firearms dealers, law enforcement armories, shooting ranges, and firearms manufacturers. Some experienced gunsmiths build a client base around custom work and restoration, which can command higher rates than standard repair services.

Thinking about starting a gunsmithing career in New York? Search for gunsmithing programs on Dreambound to compare training options by cost, length, and format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do you need to become a gunsmith?

No specific degree is legally required. A diploma or certificate from an accredited gunsmithing trade program is the industry standard and serves as proof of competence during the licensing process. An associate degree provides broader training and can be helpful if you plan to manage your own business, but it is not a licensing requirement.

Is it true that employees do not need their own FFL?

Generally, yes. If you work as an employee at a gun shop or gunsmithing business that already holds an FFL, you typically perform your work under that employer's license and do not need a separate FFL. However, in New York, employees who handle handguns (which New York law defines as "firearms") may need to hold a valid New York State Pistol License. Requirements can vary by county, so it is worth confirming with your local licensing authority. Browse gunsmithing programs on Dreambound to find training that fits your schedule.

How difficult is it to get a gunsmith license in New York City?

It is one of the hardest licensing processes in the country. The NYPD License Division requires extensive documentation, proof of a genuine business necessity, a secured commercial location (home-based operations are generally not approved), and an in-person interview. The background investigation is thorough, and processing can take several months.

Can gunsmiths in New York work on assault weapons?

Under Section 265.20 of the Penal Law, gunsmiths and dealers who hold a valid license under Section 400.00 are exempt from certain assault weapon and large capacity magazine possession restrictions. This exemption is specifically tied to the state license, not just a federal FFL. The scope of permitted activity is limited and regulated, and proposed legislation (A.7810) would further define a gunsmith's authority to receive, repair, and transfer restricted firearms if enacted. Gunsmiths should consult a firearms attorney to confirm what their license authorizes.

Do gunsmith licenses transfer between states?

No. Both the FFL and the New York State Gunsmith License are tied to a specific business address. If you relocate to another state, you must apply for new federal and state licenses in that jurisdiction. Even moving your business to a different address within New York requires notifying the licensing authority and, in most cases, reapplying.

New York's combination of strict regulation and the compliance burden it places on gun owners creates consistent demand for licensed gunsmiths who understand the state's firearms laws. The $53,550 BLS median for the broader occupational category provides a general salary benchmark, though individual earnings will depend on specialization, location, and business model. Dreambound lists gunsmithing programs from accredited providers across the country, making it a useful starting point for comparing training options side by side. If gunsmithing in New York fits your goals, compare programs on Dreambound to find one that works for your budget, timeline, and location.

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