Economic Impact Of The 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.”