Watch Repairer
Clean, repair and restore watches and clocks.
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- 1–2 years of training
Arts, Media & Design career
Jeweler
Also called: Bench Jeweler · Goldsmith · Jewelry Repairer · Stone Setter
What jewelers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a jeweler do?
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, fabricate, adjust, repair or appraise jewelry, gold, silver and precious stones. The median pay is $52,540 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 years of training, and employment is projected to grow -3.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$52,540$25.26/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.2%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year3,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–3 years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs32,800Employment, 2025
What jewelers do
Jewelers work with precious metals and stones. They size rings, repair chains and settings, set stones, solder and polish, make custom pieces from wax models or CAD, and sometimes appraise jewelry.
A high school diploma and long-term training are typical. BLS projects slight decline.
Typical duties
- Size rings
- Repair jewelry
- Set stones
- Solder
- Polish
- Make custom pieces
- Appraise
Work environment and schedule
Jewelers work at benches in stores, repair shops and studios.
Schedule: Full time, sometimes weekends in retail.
A day in the life
- Size a ring.
- Retip prongs.
- Set a diamond.
- Solder a chain.
See a full day in the life of a jeweler →
Jeweler salary
Half of jewelers earned more than $52,540 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,580 for the lowest 10% to $87,540 for the top 10%.
Full jeweler pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a jeweler
- Take jewelry classes
- Apprentice at a bench
- Master repairs
- Earn JA certification
- Advance
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a jeweler →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Soldering
- Stone setting
- Ring sizing
- Polishing
- Wax carving
People skills
- Steady hands
- Patience
- Customer service
- Trustworthiness
All jeweler skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Precision craft
- Creative custom work
- Can open a shop
- Steady repair demand
Cons
- Eye strain
- Slight decline
- Security concerns
- Detail pressure
Certifications and licenses
- GIA Graduate Gemologist: Gemology credential.
- JA Certified Bench Jeweler: Jewelers of America.
- Jewelry repair program: Trade school.
- CAD certificate: Helpful.
Career path
- Bench Apprentice: Entry.
- Bench Jeweler: Repair.
- Master Jeweler: Custom work.
- Store Owner: Business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Jeweler training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as size a ring up and retip a worn prong, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Jeweler vs. Watch Repairer · Jeweler vs. Engraver · Jeweler vs. Craft Artist · Jeweler vs. Retail Sales Associate
Jeweler FAQ
How do I become a jeweler?
Classes plus an apprenticeship at a bench.
What is GIA?
The Gemological Institute of America.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects slight decline.
How much does a jeweler make?
The median annual wage for jewelers was $52,540 ($25.26 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,580 and the highest 10% earned more than $87,540.
How long does it take to become a jeweler?
Most people need about 1–3 years of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a jeweler?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9071 (Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.