What Can a Jeweler Earn?

According to the Occupational Information Network, the median wage for a bench worker in the United States is $22.66 hourly, $47,140 annually. Ranges vary across states, from an average of $62,380 in Washington State to $31,080 in South Dakota.

In the current job market, with an increase in the trend toward customized jewelry and the planned retirement of many Baby Boomers, salaries are increasing. Jewelers in the field tell us that’s because demand for jewelry makers is outstripping supply.

The bottom line? Bench salaries vary according to what region of the country you’re in, as well as your skill level. An entry-level bench jeweler should not expect what a master makes, but with hard work, increasing skill, and the continuous on-the-job learning most bench jewelers receive, you can expect your salary to rise.

What's the Workplace Like?

Whether you're working in a retail store, a trade shop, or a manufacturing or design facility, most people would agree: A jeweler's workshop is a pretty great place to hang out.

• Jewelers spend a lot of time at a workbench, using different tools. They often enlarge their work using magnifying headpieces or microscopes.
• Computers are also becoming an increasingly important tool in the jewelry industry as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) save time and resources.

Do I Have What it Takes?

If you have the following skills and abilities, you would make a great jeweler!

• An eye for detail. Creating jewelry requires concentration and patience. Bench jewelers must give attention to large and small details on the pieces they make.
• Arm and hand steadiness and control, plus finger dexterity. Jewelers must precisely move their fingers in order to grasp, manipulate, and assemble very small objects.

What Does a Jeweler Do?

One of the most desirable things about being a jeweler is that no day is the same as the day before. You will always be learning new things, solving new problems, creating something different. Some of the tasks you will do in your job include:

• Create jewelry from gold, silver, platinum, and precious gemstones.
• Shape metal to hold the gems when making individual pieces.