The best gunsmith schools near Clive, Iowa pair accredited training with a state median wage of about $45,960 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This guide ranks nearby schools by proximity and shows local labor-market context so you can compare program length, cost, and credentials.
Key Facts
State median wage: $45,960/yr
Projected growth: +2% (2024-2034), about 1,000 openings/yr
Iowa employment: 200 workers
Iowa location quotient: 2.14
Typical program length: 6-12 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate)
Distance origin: Schools sorted by miles from Clive
Schools below are sorted by distance from Clive, Iowa. Compare each program’s length, schedule, cost, and credential.
How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention.
Advertising plays no part.
This page lists 1 school
within 53 miles, closest group first, then ordered by
BOC Score with the highest at the top.
1 of them carries a score.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%
Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal
about the institution rather than about this subject.
Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from
this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.
#1
Marshalltown Community College
📍
Marshalltown, IA
•52.8 miles away•BOC Score
59.9
This occupation reported a Iowa median annual wage of about $45,960 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Figures reflect all workers in the occupation, not graduates of any single program.
Annual Wage by Percentile, United States - Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All OtherSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$40,140
25th
$51,070
50th (median)
$68,990
75th
$84,390
90th
$102,990
Projected employment growth, United States, Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
10,800
2034 projected
11,000
Percent change
+2.0%
How to become a gunsmith in Iowa
Training as a gunsmith in Iowa generally follows these steps. Licensing and required hours vary by occupation and locality - confirm specifics with your state board before enrolling.
Finish high school or earn a GED. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.
Enroll in an accredited program. Choose an accredited gunsmith program near you and complete the required coursework and hands-on or clinical hours.
Complete supervised training or an apprenticeship. Many roles combine classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job or clinical hours. Confirm required hours with your state board.
Earn certification or a state credential. Pass any required certification or licensing exam. Requirements vary in Iowa; verify with the state board or licensing authority.
Apply for jobs and continue education. Use your credential to apply to local employers, and keep certifications current through continuing education.
Apprenticeships & Pathways
Some gunsmith roles can be entered through a registered apprenticeship or supervised hours that combine paid work with related instruction. Required hour totals differ by program and occupation; confirm exact totals with the sponsoring employer or the state board before committing.
What You’ll Study
A typical gunsmith program blends classroom theory with hands-on labs or supervised practice. Coursework usually covers safety, core technical skills, tools and equipment, and preparation for any required certification exam. Course lists vary by school - review each program’s catalog.
Choosing a School
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule (day/evening/online), total cost, and whether the credential matches what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted list above and the Clive labor-market figures to weigh your options.
Gunsmith certificate programs near Clive typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Many students also enter the field through a registered apprenticeship or supervised clinical hours. Actual completion time depends on schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and any prerequisite coursework. Confirm exact program lengths with each school.
How much do gunsmith workers earn in Iowa?
According to BLS OEWS (May 2025), this occupation earned a median annual wage of approximately $45,960 in Iowa. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer. The 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $37,610 to $74,560 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do I need a license or certification in Iowa?
Requirements vary by role and employer. Many positions value industry certifications and supervised hours, and some occupations require a state license. Always confirm current requirements with your state board or licensing authority before enrolling.
How do I choose a gunsmith school near Clive?
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule, total cost, and whether the credential aligns with what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted school list above to weigh nearby options against the local labor market figures on this page.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
