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Gunsmith Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gunsmith information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$31

How much do gunsmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for gunsmith in California is $24.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gunsmith, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gunsmith, you need a solid understanding of firearm mechanics, ballistics, metalworking, and woodworking, often supported by formal training or certification in gunsmithing. Experience with specialized tools such as lathes, milling machines, and diagnostic equipment, as well as knowledge of safety and compliance regulations, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong customer service abilities help distinguish top professionals in the field. These competencies ensure that firearms are safely repaired, customized, and maintained to the highest standards for clients and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges a gunsmith may face when working with vintage or antique firearms?

Gunsmiths often encounter unique challenges when repairing or restoring vintage or antique firearms, such as sourcing rare or obsolete parts and ensuring historical accuracy. These projects may require custom fabrication and a deep understanding of older manufacturing techniques. Attention to detail is critical, as even minor mistakes can affect the firearm's value or functionality. Patience and strong research skills are essential for overcoming these challenges while upholding safety and quality standards.

What is the difference between Gunsmith vs Armorer?

AspectGunsmithArmorer
CredentialsOften requires gunsmithing certifications or technical trainingMay require similar certifications, especially for military or law enforcement armorers
Work EnvironmentCustom workshops, firearm manufacturing or repair shopsMilitary, law enforcement facilities, or specialized repair shops
Industry UsageFirearm repair, customization, and restorationMaintaining, repairing, and assembling firearms for organizations

Gunsmiths and armorers both work with firearms, but gunsmiths focus on customizing, repairing, and restoring firearms for civilian clients, while armorers primarily maintain and repair firearms for military or law enforcement agencies. Although their skills overlap, their work environments and client bases differ significantly.

Do gunsmiths make money?

Gunsmiths can earn varying incomes depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a company. On average, they earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, with skilled professionals or those running their own shops potentially earning more. Income also depends on their craftsmanship, reputation, and the demand for firearm repairs and customization.

Is there a high demand for gunsmiths?

Gunsmiths are in moderate demand, with employment opportunities often tied to firearm sales, hunting seasons, and firearm customization. Skilled gunsmiths with certifications and experience in repair, restoration, and customization are more likely to find steady work, especially in regions with active shooting sports and firearm enthusiasts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gunsmith jobs in California?

The most popular types of Gunsmith jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Gunsmith jobs in California?

For Gunsmith jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gunsmith jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Gunsmith jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Gunsmith jobs?

Cities in California with the most Gunsmith job openings:

Infographic showing various Gunsmith job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,277 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Senior Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager I, Mechanical

San Francisco, CA • On-site

BioFire
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

WHO WE ARE
Biofire Technologies is on a mission to give gun owners better tools for reducing preventable gun injuries and deaths, especially among children. We believe our technology, combined with a best-in-class customer experience, will define the future of firearms safety for the next generation. Our mission-driven approach has earned support from the firearm community, the tech world, and the media.
Biofire employees encompass a diverse range of talents, including world-class engineers who have designed and tested firearms, medical devices, robots, cars, satellites, rockets, and supersonic jets; expert technicians from aerospace, defense tech, special forces, and gunsmithing; and elite operators from high-tech, advanced manufacturing, and regulated industries. Whether building the product or powering the company behind it, every Biofire team member is united by an obsession with safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
OUR CULTURE
Reducing accidental firearm injuries and deaths requires original thinking and authentic collaboration, so we're deeply invested in building a team and culture that can achieve our mission together. Team members enjoy autonomy and flexibility from day one, so expect to be immediately tasked with solving challenging problems and building new systems that work. We'll hold you accountable for executing audacious goals, giving and receiving honest feedback, and helping your teammates succeed. You'll receive respect, kindness, and support from every direction while you figure out how to get it all done.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager (GSSM) at Biofire, you'll sit at the intersection of Biofire's operations and engineering communities, and effectively balance the needs of both groups to enable development, industrailization and sustainment of Biofire's current supply base as well as ensure the success of new product launches. You will work in close coordination with Product Engineering, Supplier Industrialization / Quality Engineers (SIE/SQE) and Suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.
To succeed, you will need to effectively team with this cross-functional team across a product's life cycle to ensure an uninterrupted, on time supply of mechanical fabricated parts to Biofire's production line. If you're excited about building a supply chain from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Day-to-day responsibilities of the role will include:
  • [GSM] Own the commercial relationship with Biofire's existing mechanical fabricated parts Suppliers;
  • [GSM] In conjunction with Engineering and Supplier Industrialization, own the identification and qualification of new Suppliers / new Parts;
  • [GSM] Own cost negotiations, continuity of supply, risk management for the mechanical fabricated parts category;
  • [GSM] In conjunction with Engineering and Supplier Quality, drive operational and cost efficiencies through process or design change, as well as overall project execution;
  • [GSM] Conduct routine business reviews with mechanical fabricated parts Suppliers, addressing key indicators of Supplier performance (First Pass Yield, On-Time / In-Full deliveries), root causing sub-optimal performance and leading corrective actions;
  • [GSSM] Develop a nuanced understanding of the mechanical fabricated parts category landscape in order to forecast industry trends and gauge emerging competitive forces;
  • [GSSM] Identify changes in Buyer and Supplier power and use industry dynamics to Biofire's advantage;
  • [GSSM] Perform Supplier financial research, spend analysis and ad-hoc financial analysis for strategic procurement;
  • [GSSM] Effectively work with mechanical fabricated parts Suppliers to negotiate optimal terms for sourcing;
  • [GSSM] Intuitively grasp the trade-offs between cost, volume, and quality in order to strike agreements that meet Biofire's performance criteria and secure long-term supply continuity;
  • [GSSM] Collaborate across the Biofire organization (Engineering, Production, Material Planning, Supplier and Production Quality) to ensure business objectives are continuously met;
  • [Both] Rapidly synthesize and communicate findings to leadership to actively predict and mitigate supply constraints that affect Biofire's ability to produce and ship finished product;
  • [Both] Optimize Supply Chain performance through cost and capacity scenario analysis and benchmarking;
  • [Both] Continually develop an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of value-added manufacturing processes, costs and market intelligence, and apply this knowledge to influence Biofire's future product roadmap and sourcing decisions;
  • [Both] Provide overall program management support and contribute to ongoing development of processes and procedures;

QUALIFICATIONS
We understand that not all applicants will possess skills that perfectly align with our job qualifications. At Biofire, we appreciate diverse experiences from various industries, and we encourage all individuals who meet the necessary qualifications to submit their applications. While having the "desired" qualifications may strengthen a candidate's profile, we also welcome applicants with alternative experiences to apply.
  • A Bachelor's Degree in a technical field (e.g., mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering) is preferred, but equivalent practical experience in supply chain, manufacturing, military service, consulting, or operational finance will also be considered;
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in Supply Chain or Manufacturing for mechanical fabricated parts;
  • Ability to travel to Supplier sites for evaluation / qualification / audit, including internationally;

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
In addition to competitive pay, as a full-time employee at Biofire you are eligible for:
  • Stock Options in Biofire, 401(k), HSA - and other financial benefits
  • Medical Insurance - including plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Plans - with $0 payroll deduction
  • 3 Weeks Vacation and Sick time (Flex Time for salary positions), and 13 Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave - and other family-building, adoption and surrogacy benefits

The compensation range for this role is $140,000 - $160,000 /annual salary + stock options + benefits.
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
LOCATION
Two location options are available for this role:
  • Colorado (Broomfield HQ) - Primarily on-site: This is a full-time, salaried role based in our dog-friendly, state-of-the-art headquarters located between Boulder and Denver. The team regularly engages in collaborative, in-person sessions at our vibrant office space, with flexibility to work from home as needed.
  • San Francisco Bay Area - on-site

We expect you to bring your very best, and in return, we will provide the support necessary for you to excel. You'll collaborate with colleagues you appreciate, respect, and find inspiration from, and have access to all the technical resources needed.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
We're bringing innovation to a technological problem that has persisted for decades, so we depend on diverse, inclusive, and collaborative teams to break new ground and do great work. We welcome people from all qualified backgrounds, and we don't discriminate based on race, religion, color, political affiliation, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
ELIGIBILITY
This role handles information subject to US Export Control Regulations. Applicants must be (a) a citizen of the United States; (b) a lawful permanent resident of the United States ("Green Card" holder); or (c) a person admitted into the United States as an asylee or refugee to be considered for the position.