Key Points

• What is a Gunsmith? A gunsmith is a skilled technician who repairs, modifies, designs, and builds firearms, ensuring they function safely and accurately.
• How to become a Gunsmith in Texas? To become a gunsmith in Texas, you must complete a formal training program or apprenticeship, gain hands-on experience, and obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to operate your own business.
• Length of training for a Gunsmith: Online diploma programs can be completed in as few as 3 to 6 months, while comprehensive associate degrees typically take two years.
• Median Gunsmith salary in Texas: The median salary for a gunsmith in Texas is approximately $48,092 per year.
• State vs. Federal License: Texas does not require a state-level gunsmithing license; however, a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is mandatory to be in the business of gunsmithing.

What Does a Gunsmith Do?

A gunsmith is a specialist technician who inspects, repairs, customises, and builds firearms to ensure they are safe, reliable, and accurate. Their work combines mechanical expertise with precision craftsmanship, serving clients in various settings.

Common duties include:

• Inspecting and repairing firearms
• Performing custom modifications and enhancements
• Building or restoring firearms
• Cleaning, maintaining, and testing for safety
• Ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws

Gunsmiths may work in retail gun shops, sporting goods stores, shooting ranges, for firearm manufacturers, or as self-employed business owners in independent workshops.

How to Become a Gunsmith in Texas: A 5-Step Guide

Following a structured path is the most effective way to become a professional gunsmith in Texas. This five-step guide covers everything from meeting the basic legal requirements to enrolling in a training program and obtaining the necessary federal license.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before investing in training, you must confirm your eligibility to work in the firearms industry. The essential requirements include:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to work with firearms and 21 to obtain your own FFL.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is a standard prerequisite for trade schools and employers.
• Criminal Record: You cannot be a "prohibited person" under federal law (e.g., have a felony conviction or a history of domestic violence), as this will disqualify you from handling firearms professionally.

Ready to find a program that fits your goals? Browse accredited gunsmithing programs in Texas on Dreambound and take the first step toward your new career.

2. Enroll in a Gunsmithing Trade Program

While apprenticeships exist, the most direct path to a career is through a dedicated gunsmithing school. You can choose from hands-on vocational programs, flexible online diplomas, or comprehensive associate degrees. These programs provide essential knowledge in ballistics, machining, firearm mechanics, safety protocols, and business practices.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Theoretical knowledge must be paired with practical skill. In-person programs provide extensive time in a machine shop, while online programs often include tools and project kits for at-home practice. To build your resume, seek out internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles at local gun shops or ranges to work alongside experienced professionals.

4. Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL)

The FFL is the most critical legal requirement for operating a gunsmithing business.

• If you work for an employer: You will operate under their existing FFL.
• If you start your own business: You must apply for your own Type 01 FFL (Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The process involves a detailed application, fingerprinting, a background check, and an interview with an ATF Industry Operations Investigator (IOI).

5. Launch Your Career

With your training and legal requirements met, you are ready to enter the workforce. Create a professional resume that highlights your specific technical skills, such as lathe operation, stock finishing, or Cerakote application. Search for positions at major retailers, local gun ranges, and Texas-based firearm manufacturers. Networking at gun shows is also an effective way to discover job openings and connect with mentors.

Gunsmith Salary and Job Outlook in Texas

The median salary for a gunsmith in Texas is approximately $48,092 per year. This aligns closely with the national median wage for the broader "Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers" category, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports as $48,651 annually. Highly skilled gunsmiths who specialise in custom builds or high-end restoration can earn significantly more.

The job outlook for this profession is stable. O*NET projects "Slower than average (1% to 2%)" growth for the occupational category that includes gunsmiths through 2034, with an estimated 21,500 job openings projected nationally during that period.