How to become a Gunsmith

Modifies, services and repairs rifles, revolvers, other firearms, ammunition and protective gear, and conducts preventive maintenance of weapons used by defence, law enforcement and other organisations.

Main tasks

• Inspects, tests, maintains and repairs firearms, ammunition and protective gear to ensure proper functioning and compliance with licensing and safety regulations
• Modifies, alters and calibrates rifles, revolvers and other firearms for optimisation
• Performs preventive maintenance tasks including cleaning and lubricating weapons to ensure proper functioning of weapons and armour
• Carries out destruction of obsolete firearms and other controlled items
• Maintains detailed records of equipment maintenance, repairs and inspections
• May oversee the storage, distribution and inventory of ammunition

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $79,924 a year
• About 8,300 people work in this job group now, and about 8,900 are projected by 2035. (+8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Engraver
• Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
• Engineering Patternmaker
• Locksmith
• Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
• Saw Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Gunsmith?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade.

How much does a Gunsmith earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $79,924 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Gunsmith a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 8,300 to about 8,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Gunsmith?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade.

Will AI change the work of a Gunsmith?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04