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Jeweler vs jeweler apprentice

The differences between jewelers and jeweler apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a jeweler and a jeweler apprentice. Additionally, a jeweler has an average salary of $43,022, which is higher than the $32,934 average annual salary of a jeweler apprentice.

The top three skills for a jeweler include customer service, CAD and laser welding. The most important skills for a jeweler apprentice are jewelry design, CAD, and chain repair.

Jeweler vs jeweler apprentice overview

JewelerJeweler Apprentice
Yearly salary$43,022$32,934
Hourly rate$20.68$15.83
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs3596,059
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a jeweler do?

A jeweler specializes in designing and creating jewelry from various materials such as diamonds, metal, and gems. They can also restore and clean pieces of jewelry using different techniques and substances, examine materials for its worth, and conduct research and analysis to identify components. A jeweler may also sell jewelry and assist clients by answering inquiries, helping clients choose which suits them the best, and explaining jewelry specifications. Moreover, a jeweler must be proactive and keep up with the latest trends.

What does a jeweler apprentice do?

Jeweler Apprentices are trainees who work under jewelers. These apprentices are usually on track to becoming jewelers themselves. They should be familiar with the basics of making jewelry from different metals and using various stones. They should also know how to use tools and the different techniques that jewelers use. Jeweler Apprentices provide support to their mentors and help them throughout the jewelry-making process. They may be assigned to work on their own to produce the jewelry.

Jeweler vs jeweler apprentice salary

Jewelers and jeweler apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

JewelerJeweler Apprentice
Average salary$43,022$32,934
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $69,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityMinnetonka, MN-
Highest paying statePennsylvania-
Best paying companyTesoro-
Best paying industry--

Differences between jeweler and jeweler apprentice education

There are a few differences between a jeweler and a jeweler apprentice in terms of educational background:

JewelerJeweler Apprentice
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorFine ArtsBusiness
Most common college--

Jeweler vs jeweler apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between jewelers' and jeweler apprentices' demographics:

JewelerJeweler Apprentice
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 49.5% Female, 50.5%Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 11.7% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.9%Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.8% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.9%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between jeweler and jeweler apprentice duties and responsibilities

Jeweler example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage blanket purchase order for tier one customer.
  • Create releases, update pricing and resolve accounting issues between BPA and customer invoice.
  • Create customized jewelry by engraving gems
  • Assist primary jeweler with minor repairs, polishing and machine engraving
  • Demonstrate time management skills via maintenance of appointment itineraries for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
  • Identify process and systems improvements for order management, supply chain and planning.
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Jeweler apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Assemble jewelry (clasps, jump rings, link chains etc . )
  • Machine various metals; including but not limit to stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals.
  • Introduce to conventional precision mill and lathe machining with aluminum, brass, mild steel, and stainless steel materials.
  • Handle repair, engraving, and polishing of jewelry.
  • Operate MIG welders to join metal surfaces and parts when need.
  • Specialize in jewelry polishing, flat engraving, inside ring engraving, and clerical.
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Jeweler vs jeweler apprentice skills

Common jeweler skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • CAD, 16%
  • Laser Welding, 12%
  • Laser Machine, 12%
  • Product Knowledge, 8%
  • Engraving, 5%
Common jeweler apprentice skills
  • Jewelry Design, 93%
  • CAD, 3%
  • Chain Repair, 2%
  • Rough Spots, 2%

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