Gunsmith salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 4 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$80,060/ yr
$6,672 / mo · $38.49 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$49,566
Median
$80,060
Experienced
$116,730
Demand
Moderate
Program length
4 months to 2 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete4 months to 2 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$49,566
- Median salary$80,060
- Experienced salary$116,730
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Gunsmith in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Gunsmith program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Gunsmith tracks complete in 4 months to 2 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Gunsmith openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Gunsmith in California is $80,060 per year, which is $38.49 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $49,566 while experienced Gunsmiths can earn up to $116,730 annually.
Next step
Find Gunsmith Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Gunsmith classes in your area.