The job market for precious metal workers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 37,700 precious metal workers in the United States. The precious metal worker job market is expected to shrink by -6.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are precious metal workers?

CareerExplorer rates precious metal workers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 1,900 precious metal workers. That number is based on the retirement of 4,400 existing precious metal workers.

Are precious metal workers in demand?

Employment and demand of precious metal workers in the United States is predicted to continue to decline. This projection is based on several factors. Firstly, this occupation is small. Furthermore, as both the jewelry and furniture industries face ongoing competition from foreign manufacturers, production jobs in these sectors are expected to decrease. Some opportunities will be available with larger and higher-end jewellers, which typically have a precious metal worker on staff to handle engraving, resizing, and repair of pieces. Smaller operations generally outsource this work. Workers trained in metal furniture repair could find it difficult to secure jobs, as consumers increasingly choose to purchase new furniture rather than have old pieces repaired. Museums and antique dealers, which hire precious metal experts to restore their acquisitions, often do so only on a short-term, contractual basis. Insurance companies, as well, rarely require full-time precious metal workers and therefore present only part-time or consultant positions. Artisans in the field who create metal liturgical pieces are highly regarded; however, this work is very specialized and comprises a minute portion of the overall job market. Nearly half of all precious metal workers are self-employed. For the foreseeable future, openings in the field will be created exclusively by the need to replace retirees.

What’s the supply of precious metal workers?

The precious metal worker industry is concentrated in New York, California, Texas

Precious Metal Worker job market by state