Economic Impact Of The Gun Industry Continues To Grow

by
posted on May 4, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Trend Economic Impact Of Gun Industry Continues To Grow

The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $91.7 billion in 2024, a 379 percent increase according to a report issued by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from 166,000 in 2008 to more than 383,000, a 130 percent increase in the same period.

Despite a slight decline in demand for new firearms, the industry’s economic impact rose from $90.5 billion in 2023 to $91.7 billion in 2024. NSSF estimates gun sales—calculated by NICS background checks conducted for their purchase—dropped from 15.9 million in 2023 to 15.2 million in 2024.

The report also reports, “In the United States, the industry and its employees pay over $10.97 billion in taxes including property, income, and sales based levies. Of the $941.8 million in excise tax paid to Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Fund in 2024, $886 million came from firearms and ammunition.”

Across the nation roughly 150,668 were employed directly by the firearm industry in 2024. Their average pay, calculated as both wages and benefits, was $68,300. In 2023, the figure was at $67,500.

California, at 13,086, is the state with the most jobs tied directly to the industry. Texas claimed second-place honors last year with 11,630, followed by Florida’s 9,393. Pennsylvania (7,398) and Ohio (5,847) rounded out the top five, respectively. Those standings were unchanged from 2023.

“Our industry is a vital economic contributor to every state and every community,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “These are companies employing men and women from all walks of life and they prove daily that the American firearm and ammunition industry is strong. This industry proudly provides the means for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.