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Gunsmith Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Gunsmith information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$24

$31

How much do gunsmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for gunsmith in Virginia is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Gunsmiths typically do not earn $4,000 a week without extensive experience or a high level of skill. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales roles, specialized trades like commercial pilot or real estate broker, and entrepreneurial ventures such as starting a business or freelance work in skilled trades. Success in these fields often depends on experience, reputation, and performance rather than formal education.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Gunsmiths typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of a business. Most gunsmiths earn a moderate income, with top professionals possibly earning six figures with extensive experience or a large client base.

What is a gunsmith?

A gunsmith is a skilled tradesperson who designs, builds, repairs, modifies, and maintains firearms. Their work involves tasks such as cleaning, inspecting, and restoring guns, as well as fabricating or fitting custom parts. Gunsmiths use specialized tools and machinery to ensure firearms function safely and accurately. They may work in gun shops, for manufacturers, or be self-employed, and are knowledgeable about firearm laws and safe handling practices.

What Is a Gunsmith?

A Gunsmith builds, repairs, and maintains various types of firearms. As a Gunsmith, your responsibilities and duties include assembling and calibrating firearms, maintaining and repairing them, and following safety protocols. You may also customize a client’s pieces by engraving or modifying the weapon. Gunsmiths must comply with applicable federal and state laws.

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.

How hard is it to become a gunsmith?

Becoming a gunsmith typically requires technical training through vocational schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience, along with knowledge of firearm mechanics and safety standards. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and strong mechanical skills are essential for success in the field.

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 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.

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 may also be influenced by certifications, specialized skills, and the demand for firearm repairs and customization.
More about Gunsmith jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gunsmith jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Gunsmith jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Gunsmith jobs in Virginia? For Gunsmith jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gunsmith jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Gunsmith jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Gunsmith jobs in VA? For Gunsmith jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Gunsmith jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gunsmith job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,507 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Gunsmith / Armorer (5524)

Old Harbor Solutions LLC

Quantico, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Brief
Sr. Quality Assurance - Armorer/ Gunsmith
Eagle Harbor, LLC, a subsidiary of Three Saints Bay, LLC and a Federal Government Contractor industry leader, is seeking Advanced Armorer to support our customer in Quantico, VA.
Responsibilities include but not are limited to:
  • Provide physical maintenance in all aspects of multi-hundred small arms weapons inventory. This includes such tasks as periodic inspection, routine service, repair to the extent possible on-site, and clean, in accordance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.
  • Perform weapons inventory control per agency policy. Establish and oversee physical accountability procedures of weapons inventory.
  • Maintain weapons vault.
  • Keep and update appropriate usage logs for individual weapons.
  • Liaison with manufacturers of all weapons in inventory. Disseminate necessary updates and
  • information regarding same to unit members.
  • Become credentialed and/or maintain credentials as factory approved armorer for all weapon systems in inventory.
  • Provide research, make recommendations, and assist in purchase of new weapons, ammunition, targets, range supplies, scopes, optics, lasers, and other weapons and marksmanship supplies and equipment.
  • Work with agency-level Firearms Training Unit to provide necessary accountability of weapons and ammunition. Maintain contact with their personnel to keep informed of training, testing and evaluation, product demonstrations recommendations, and new initiatives or policies.
  • Provide gunsmith services as limited by available equipment. Make recommendations for and assist in procurement of gunsmith tools and equipment, as allowed by physical space, unit budget, etc.
  • Keep team small arms repair kits stocked.
  • Have instructor experience and be capable of passing DEA Firearms Instructor School. Provide formal training to agency members and law enforcement counterparts, to include lesson plan development and multimedia classroom delivery, on topics such as operator level weapons
  • maintenance, more advanced armorer training to select unit members, ballistics, ammunition selection, employment of optics and lasers, etc.
  • Be familiar with use of less lethal weapons in inventory. Oversee less lethal weapons serviceability and upkeep. Attend necessary training in use of less lethal weapons to instruct unit members in their implementation.
  • Become and maintain status as Range Safety Officer (RSO) at local military facilities. Act as RSO during unit range training. Support and provide field maintenance of weapons during training.
  • Perform inventory control, install, and maintain serviceability of unit lighting devices, lasers, optics, scopes, night vision goggles, etc. For items in need of factory repair, coordinate with vendors, prepare for shipment, track status, and return to service.
  • Observe and follow all applicable safety rules and procedures, to include wearing required personal safety equipment. Instruct unit members on safety rules. Prepare and post proper signage and other notices regarding weapons and ammunition safety issues.
  • Be available to travel at unit expense to pertinent training courses, informational conferences, etc.
  • Possess well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
  • Promptly prepare written reports, articles, updates, and other material, as needed or requested.
  • Provide support as directed and wherever needed to help assure overall unit readiness and efficiency.
  • The unit has an aggressive deployment and training schedule that often times requires fast-paced adaptations. Therefore, the Contractor must thrive in a hectic work environment.
  • Accept and carry out on-going or periodic collateral duties as assigned.
  • As time allows after completing armorer tasks, the Contractor employee shall seek out opportunities to assist other support staff in their assignments.
  • Demonstrate professional, congenial ability work with diverse unit members, agency employees, representatives from other agencies, vendors, etc. at all experience levels and positions.
  • Be flexible in schedule. The normal scheduled tour of duty is Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Some 40-hour workweeks may necessitate availability and/or being with unit members training on
  • firing ranges during hours of darkness.
  • Have working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office programs.

Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Must be able to pass Agency background check
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ten (10) years of related experience
  • College graduate or equivalent work experience
  • Level III Gunsmith with completion of the United States Marine Corps, Weapons Training Battalion, Precision Weapon Section, Machine Shop portion of the USMC Precise Weapons Repair Course (20 weeks), or equivalent weapons-related machinist training
  • Excellent physical condition to include walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and carrying loads

Position is located in Quantico, VA.
Salary max is 95K DOE
Apply at: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=GATEWAYVENT&cws=78&rid=5524
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Three Saints Bay, LLC and its subsidiaries offer a team-oriented working environment and the opportunity to work with exceptional, dedicated industry professionals. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to take part in exciting projects with government and commercial clients, both domestic and international.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite resumes from all interested parties without regard to race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, creed, national origin, age, genetic information, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Apply