While we may all have an idea of the size and state of the jewelry industry, it’s always good to look at hard data to verify whether our preconceptions are indeed correct.
In this article, we’ll high light some of the key findings from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics about the ‘Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers’, shedding light on employment numbers, job outlook, and the diverse work environments that shape our craft.
Quick Facts about Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers:
| 2022 Median Pay | $47,140 per year $22.66 per hour |
| Number of Jobs, 2022 | 47,200 |
| Job Outlook, 2022-32 | -3% (Decline) |
| Employment Change, 2022-32 | -1,400 |
Employment Numbers
In 2022, the jewelry industry provided employment to approximately 47,200 individuals. The distribution of these jobs varies across different types of employers. A significant portion of these professionals, constituting 46%, are self-employed workers who may operate their own shops or work on a freelance basis.
Jewelry retailers employ 26% of the workforce, offering positions in stores that sell ready-made or custom-designed pieces.
Meanwhile, jewelry manufacturing companies, which produce jewelry on a larger scale, account for 13% of the employment in this sector.
| Employment Sector | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 46% |
| Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods retailers | 26% |
| Jewelry and silverware manufacturing | 13% |
| Merchant wholesalers, durable goods | 8% |
| Personal and household goods repair and maintenance | 2% |
Job Outlook (2022-2032)
The job outlook for Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers indicates a projected decline of 3% in employment over the decade from 2022 to 2032.
Despite this decrease, there are still opportunities in the industry. It is estimated that there will be approximately 6,100 job openings each year during this period, primarily due to retirements and workers transferring to different occupations.
Geographic Profile for Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Top States for Employment
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 4,120 | 0.45 | 2.54 | $29.78 | $61,950 |
| California | 2,930 | 0.17 | 0.94 | $23.51 | $48,910 |
| Texas | 2,400 | 0.18 | 1.04 | $21.68 | $45,090 |
| Florida | 1,760 | 0.19 | 1.07 | $23.54 | $48,970 |
| Illinois | 1,230 | 0.21 | 1.17 | $21.60 | $44,940 |
New York remains at the top when it comes to employment opportunities for Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers by sheer numbers. The state boasts an employment figure of 4,120, with an employment per thousand jobs at 0.45. The location quotient, which measures the concentration of employment in the industry relative to the national average, is 2.54. Jewelers in New York also enjoy a mean annual wage of $61,950.
California follows with an employment figure of 2,930 and a mean annual wage of $48,910.
Texas offers 2,400 positions in the field, with a mean annual wage of $45,090.
Florida provides 1,760 jobs with a mean annual wage of $48,970.
Illinois rounds out the top five with 1,230 jobs and a mean annual wage of $44,940.
Top paying states for Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
In an effort to provide valuable insights to professionals within the jewelry industry, it is pertinent to examine the annual mean wages across various states in the United States. This data can be instrumental in making informed decisions regarding potential career advancements or geographical relocations.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 740 | 0.22 | 1.22 | $ 30.71 | $ 63,880 |
| New York | 4,120 | 0.45 | 2.54 | $ 29.78 | $ 61,950 |
| Massachusetts | 510 | 0.14 | 0.81 | $ 29.39 | $ 61,130 |
| Colorado | 340 | 0.12 | 0.70 | $ 27.10 | $ 56,360 |
| Connecticut | 200 | 0.12 | 0.70 | $ 26.15 | $ 54,390 |
- Washington: Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers in Washington are compensated with an annual mean wage of approximately $63,880.
- New York: In New York, professionals in the same field can anticipate an annual mean wage of approximately $61,950.
- Massachusetts: The state of Massachusetts offers an annual mean wage of around $61,130 for these professionals.
- Colorado: In Colorado, the annual mean wage for jewelers stands at approximately $56,360.
- Connecticut: Lastly, Connecticut provides an annual mean wage of approximately $54,390 to jewelers and related workers.
We’ve just picked out some of the geographic highlights based on the BLS stats, but more are available on the department’s website. While the statistics may not change where you decide to live or work, hopefully they can act as a good benchmark for your current situation, and give you more of an idea of how you compare.
