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What Does it Take to Be a Precious Metal Worker?
Precious Metal Worker Job Description Cast, anneal, solder, hammer, or shape gold, silver, pewter or other metals to form jewelry or other metal items such as goblets or candlesticks.
Life As a Precious Metal Worker
- Strike molds to separate dried castings from molds.
- Verify that bottom edges of articles are level, using straightedges or by rocking them back and forth on flat surfaces.
- Examine articles to determine the nature of defects requiring repair, such as dents, uneven bottoms, scratches, or holes.
- Position articles over snarling tools and raise design areas, using foot-powered hammers.
- Weigh and mix alloy ingredients, using formulas and knowledge of ingredients’ chemical properties.
- Polish articles by hand or by using a polishing wheel.
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Qualities of a Precious Metal Worker
When polled, Precious Metal Workers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Precious Metal Worker Jobs
- Special Order Jeweler
- Goldsmith
- Bench Jeweler
- Jewelry Maker
- Pewter Caster
Is There Going to be Demand for Precious Metal Workers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 37,700 jobs in the United States for Precious Metal Worker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Precious Metal Worker. There will be an estimated 3,500 positions for Precious Metal Worker per year.
The states with the most job growth for Precious Metal Worker are Idaho, South Carolina, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Tennessee, New Mexico, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Precious Metal Worker
The salary for Precious Metal Workers ranges between about $23,530 and $67,250 a year.
Precious Metal Workers who work in Kentucky, New Jersey, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.
How much do Precious Metal Workers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,320 |
| Alaska | $33,520 |
| Arizona | $45,860 |
| Arkansas | $43,880 |
| California | $40,940 |
| Colorado | $42,490 |
| Connecticut | $54,280 |
| Delaware | $46,690 |
| Florida | $41,300 |
| Georgia | $36,350 |
| Hawaii | $37,560 |
| Idaho | $42,040 |
| Illinois | $39,030 |
| Indiana | $41,220 |
| Iowa | $44,390 |
| Kansas | $44,200 |
| Kentucky | $55,840 |
| Louisiana | $36,820 |
| Maine | $43,950 |
| Maryland | $51,920 |
| Massachusetts | $44,480 |
| Michigan | $40,580 |
| Minnesota | $39,590 |
| Mississippi | $27,820 |
| Missouri | $38,330 |
| Montana | $34,950 |
| Nebraska | $30,680 |
| Nevada | $46,200 |
| New Hampshire | $48,280 |
| New Jersey | $54,870 |
| New Mexico | $30,480 |
| New York | $50,380 |
| North Carolina | $40,420 |
| North Dakota | $52,090 |
| Ohio | $38,180 |
| Oklahoma | $41,100 |
| Oregon | $52,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,670 |
| Rhode Island | $43,710 |
| South Carolina | $40,270 |
| South Dakota | $37,330 |
| Tennessee | $46,740 |
| Texas | $41,450 |
| Utah | $36,900 |
| Vermont | $40,010 |
| Virginia | $48,330 |
| Washington | $39,540 |
| West Virginia | $39,120 |
| Wisconsin | $52,050 |
What Tools do Precious Metal Workers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Precious Metal Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
How to Become a Precious Metal Worker
What education or degrees do I need to become a Precious Metal Worker?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Precious Metal Workers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Jorge Royan via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.