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Job outlook for jewelry designers in the United States
Are jewelry designer jobs in demand?
Jewelry designer job and salary trends over time
Jewelry designer jobs over time
Jewelry designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 738 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 729 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 781 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 788 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 786 | 0.00% |
Average jewelry designer salary over time
Jewelry designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,058 | $23.59 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $47,891 | $23.02 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $46,292 | $22.26 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $44,757 | $21.52 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $43,783 | $21.05 | +1.6% |
Jewelry designer jobs by state
Most common states for jewelry designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 205 | 30% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 798 | 11% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 403 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 618 | 9% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 666 | 8% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,948 | 7% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 761 | 7% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 399 | 7% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 208 | 7% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 94 | 7% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 63 | 7% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,151 | 6% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 778 | 6% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 367 | 6% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 345 | 6% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 331 | 6% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 64 | 6% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 35 | 6% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 629 | 5% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 196 | 5% |
Most common cities for jewelry designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $48,008 |
Jewelry Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of jewelry designer experts
Highline College
Belmont University
MJSA
MJSA
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
What soft skills should all Jewelry Designers possess?
Diana Boyd: -Collaboration/Teamwork
-Interpersonal
-Reliability
-Ethical behavior
-Self-starter
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What skills stand out on Jewelry Designer resumes?
Doug Regen: Ability to problem-solve with strong creative solutions. Innovative. Detail-oriented. Ability to design creative solutions based on research...understanding the target audience, trends, etc.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks-but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks—but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks—but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks—but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks-but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Jewelry Designers to find work opportunities?
Rich Youmans: There are a number of jewelry retailers (both small independents and large chains like Signet) that have a need for bench jewelers, and jewelry manufacturers also need good help. However, they often require skill levels above those of recently graduated students. As noted above, students will need to be able to learn on the job to advance their skills.
States in the U.S. with a significant jewelry manufacturing presence include New York, California (primarily around Los Angele), and Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts, but there are many significant companies throughout the United States—Akron, Ohio (Signet), Lafayette, Louisiana (Stuller), and Albuquerque, New Mexico (the Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company) are just three that come to mind.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Jewelry Designers to find work opportunities?
Rich Youmans: There are a number of jewelry retailers (both small independents and large chains like Signet) that have a need for bench jewelers, and jewelry manufacturers also need good help. However, they often require skill levels above those of recently graduated students. As noted above, students will need to be able to learn on the job to advance their skills.
States in the U.S. with a significant jewelry manufacturing presence include New York, California (primarily around Los Angele), and Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts, but there are many significant companies throughout the United States—Akron, Ohio (Signet), Lafayette, Louisiana (Stuller), and Albuquerque, New Mexico (the Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company) are just three that come to mind.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Jewelry Designers to find work opportunities?
Rich Youmans: There are a number of jewelry retailers (both small independents and large chains like Signet) that have a need for bench jewelers, and jewelry manufacturers also need good help. However, they often require skill levels above those of recently graduated students. As noted above, students will need to be able to learn on the job to advance their skills.
States in the U.S. with a significant jewelry manufacturing presence include New York, California (primarily around Los Angele), and Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts, but there are many significant companies throughout the United States-Akron, Ohio (Signet), Lafayette, Louisiana (Stuller), and Albuquerque, New Mexico (the Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company) are just three that come to mind.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Jewelry Designers to find work opportunities?
Rich Youmans: There are a number of jewelry retailers (both small independents and large chains like Signet) that have a need for bench jewelers, and jewelry manufacturers also need good help. However, they often require skill levels above those of recently graduated students. As noted above, students will need to be able to learn on the job to advance their skills.
States in the U.S. with a significant jewelry manufacturing presence include New York, California (primarily around Los Angele), and Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts, but there are many significant companies throughout the United States—Akron, Ohio (Signet), Lafayette, Louisiana (Stuller), and Albuquerque, New Mexico (the Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company) are just three that come to mind.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands-there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands—there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands—there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands—there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands-there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
What type of skills will young Jewelry Designers need?
Rich Youmans: The greatest skills that any graduate can have, not just those entering the jewelry industry, are flexibility and the ability to continuously learn new practices and procedures. For those who want to start their own businesses, a foundation in business/marketing practices will always be helpful. For bench jewelers, good hand-eye coordination is a must, but they must also take the time to learn their craft: to be able to set a gemstone without fear of it coming loose, for instance, and to do so quickly (if they're in a production shop). There are a few good schools dedicated to these skills, but many times the true learning must come through on-the-job experience.
For designers, the computer-assisted design has taken a growing role, but it doesn't compensate for that foundational knowledge: how to create designs that can hold gems securely, how to protect fragile gems, and how to ensure the piece can be manufactured, and a customer can wear the piece comfortably.
Caster may need to develop an understanding of basic metallurgical principles -- e.g., how metal flows, cools, and shrinks-but again, that can be learned on the job.
More and more custom jewelers -- jewelers who work directly with customers to create personalized pieces of custom jewelry -- and for that, the ability to listen and to solicit a customer's tastes and preferences will be crucial.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Jewelry Designers to find work opportunities?
Rich Youmans: There are a number of jewelry retailers (both small independents and large chains like Signet) that have a need for bench jewelers, and jewelry manufacturers also need good help. However, they often require skill levels above those of recently graduated students. As noted above, students will need to be able to learn on the job to advance their skills.
States in the U.S. with a significant jewelry manufacturing presence include New York, California (primarily around Los Angele), and Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts, but there are many significant companies throughout the United States-Akron, Ohio (Signet), Lafayette, Louisiana (Stuller), and Albuquerque, New Mexico (the Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company) are just three that come to mind.
How do you envision technology impacting Jewelry Designers in the next 5 years?
Rich Youmans: Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. In the past few years, 3-D printers have become more affordable, and their quality and output continue to improve. This has opened up more opportunities for jewelry at all levels to increase their productivity. Three-dimensional metal printing, in which users can take a CAD file and print them directly in metal, could disrupt the traditional casting method, but the technology isn't quite there yet -- the cost is still too exorbitant. But the best tools for jewelers are still their hands-there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Jewelry Designers?
Michelle Lockwood: Oh, yes! There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates, and all of us. It has already changed so much about how we interact, do business, socialize, learn, love, and just plain live. There is no way that it could not impact the future of this field, or any area, in my opinion. I think the job market will look very different in the months and years to come. We will adapt, and there will be more opportunities for creativity, more problems to solve, and more chances to engage and inform. But those practicing will need to remain flexible, adapt gracefully to changing circumstances, and find pockets where they can solve problems, and use their unique skillset to illuminate, inform, and delight -- just as we have always done -- only differently.