Best Gunsmith Schools in Lake Forest Park, Washington (2026)
The best gunsmith schools near Lake Forest Park, Washington pair accredited training with a state median wage of about $98,340 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: $98,340/yr
- Projected growth: +2% (2024-2034), about 1,000 openings/yr
- Washington employment: 340 workers
- Washington location quotient: 1.57
- Typical program length: 6-12 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate)
- Distance origin: Schools sorted by miles from Lake Forest Park
Sources: BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034; IPEDS, 2023.
Gunsmith Schools near Lake Forest Park (2026)
Schools below are sorted by distance from Lake Forest Park, Washington. Compare each program’s length, schedule, cost, and credential.
No schools in our database within 250 miles. If this is a mistake, contact us.
Gunsmith Pay and Job Outlook
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $40,140 |
| 25th | $51,070 |
| 50th (median) | $68,990 |
| 75th | $84,390 |
| 90th | $102,990 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10,800 |
| 2034 projected | 11,000 |
| Percent change | +2.0% |
Gunsmith Pay & Job Outlook
This occupation reported a Washington median annual wage of about $98,340 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Figures reflect all workers in the occupation, not graduates of any single program.
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $40,140 |
| 25th | $51,070 |
| 50th (median) | $68,990 |
| 75th | $84,390 |
| 90th | $102,990 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10,800 |
| 2034 projected | 11,000 |
| Percent change | +2.0% |
How to become a gunsmith in Washington
Becoming a gunsmith in Washington 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 Washington; 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 Lake Forest Park labor-market figures to weigh your options.
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Next Steps
- All trade schools in Lake Forest Park: Trade schools in Lake Forest Park
- Statewide trade schools: Trade schools in Washington
- Methodology & data sources: How we rank
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does gunsmith training take near Lake Forest Park?
Gunsmith certificate programs near Lake Forest Park 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 Washington?
According to BLS OEWS (May 2025), this occupation earned a median annual wage of approximately $98,340 in Washington. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer. The 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $42,700 to $123,510 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do I need a license or certification in Washington?
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 Lake Forest Park?
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) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |