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Blacksmith Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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How much do blacksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for blacksmith in Wisconsin is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there still blacksmithing jobs?

Blacksmithing jobs are still available, primarily in specialized craft shops, restoration projects, and artistic metalworking. Many blacksmiths work as artisans or in niche markets, often requiring skills in traditional forging techniques and the use of tools like hammers and anvils. Job opportunities may be limited but persist in areas emphasizing craftsmanship and historical preservation.

How much money can a blacksmith make?

Blacksmiths' earnings vary based on experience, location, and skill level, but the median annual wage in many regions ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Skilled blacksmiths with specialized tools and certifications can earn higher wages, especially if they work independently or in high-demand markets.

What is the difference between Blacksmith vs Welder?

AspectBlacksmithWelder
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, often apprenticeships or certifications in forgingCertifications like AWS or CWB often required
Work EnvironmentForge, workshop, outdoor settingsConstruction sites, factories, workshops
Industry UsageArt, decorative ironwork, custom metalworkManufacturing, construction, repair

Blacksmiths and welders both work with metals, but blacksmiths focus on forging and shaping metal through heating and hammering, often creating artistic or custom pieces. Welders specialize in joining metals using welding techniques, primarily for industrial and construction purposes. While their skills overlap in metalwork, their tools, techniques, and typical work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blacksmith, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blacksmith, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, metalworking techniques, and proficiency in using forging tools, often acquired through apprenticeships or vocational training. Familiarity with anvils, hammers, tongs, power tools, and safety equipment is essential, and some may pursue certifications in welding or metal fabrication. Creativity, attention to detail, and physical stamina are standout soft skills for this hands-on, artistic profession. These abilities ensure the production of high-quality metalwork, safe working practices, and the ability to meet custom client or industrial specifications.

Is a blacksmith a good career?

A blacksmith is a skilled tradesperson who works with metal using tools like hammers and anvils, often in a workshop or forge environment. The career can be rewarding for those interested in craftsmanship and traditional techniques, but it may involve physical labor, irregular hours, and market demand fluctuations. Success often depends on skill level, specialization, and business acumen.

What are some common challenges a blacksmith may face in a modern workshop environment?

Blacksmiths today often encounter challenges such as adapting traditional forging skills to modern safety standards, handling a variety of metals with different properties, and maintaining specialized equipment. Additionally, blacksmiths may need to balance custom, artistic projects with repair or restoration work, requiring both creativity and precision. Collaboration with clients, metalworkers, and other artisans is also common, making strong communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is a blacksmith?

Blacksmiths are skilled tradespeople who work with metal, primarily by heating, hammering, bending, and shaping it to create tools, hardware, decorative objects, and sometimes horseshoes. They use traditional techniques and modern equipment to manipulate iron, steel, and other metals. Blacksmiths often repair or restore metal items and may also design custom metalwork for architectural or artistic purposes. Their work combines craftsmanship, creativity, and practical problem-solving.

What do blacksmiths do?

Blacksmiths work with metal to create different kinds of tools and objects. Using a forge to heat and soften the metal, blacksmiths then use an anvil to hammer the material into the appropriate shapes. According to the National Careers Service, blacksmithing is a trade that been around for centuries. While factories and casting processes have taken over much of the work of traditional blacksmiths, a career as a blacksmith is still a necessary and rewarding path for people who enjoy working with their hands.

What are popular job titles related to Blacksmith jobs in Wisconsin? For Blacksmith jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Blacksmith jobs in WI? For Blacksmith jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Blacksmith job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,459 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Blacksmith and Sawyer at Wade House Historic Site - LTE

State of Wisconsin

Greenbush, WI • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary
Historic Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, blacksmith shop, sawmill and grounds in Greenbush, Wisconsin. The site offers guided tours from May - early November with special events throughout the year. The Visitor Center and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum is open year-round. The Trades Interpreter (blacksmith/sawyer) is responsible for the interpretation and operation of the Herrling Sawmill and the Dockstader Blacksmith Shop. The Trades Interpreter (blacksmith/sawyer) must also be familiar with the interpretation of the Wade House Stagecoach Inn, and Wesley Jung Carriage Museum. Because of the complexity and inherent dangers involved with sawmill and blacksmith operations, responsibility for educational programs and training by permanent staff are divided into two very distinct components: interpretation and operations, and the Trades Interpreter must be proficient in both.
Responsibilities:
  • Accurately interpret the sawmill's historical context, the Herrling family, and other desired learner outcomes to visitors and groups of visitors.
  • Utilize research content, desired learner outcomes, and suggested activities, stories and queries as presented in sawmill interpretation plans to present an authentic interpretation of life as a German immigrant sawyer in 1850s Greenbush, Wis.
  • Accurately represent to visitors the manner, appearance, and activities of a mid-19th century sawyer in Wisconsin. Explain to visitors the inherent dangers of sawmill work.
  • Responds to and answers visitor questions in the most accurate and direct manner possible.
  • Perform daily start-up, shut down, maintenance and operation of the muley saw and other tools and equipment within the mill, lubricating equipment as directed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the mill.
  • Perform in skilled fashion the typical activities of a historic sawmill, such as conveying logs to the mill, positioning logs on the carriage for sawing, opening water gate(s), and operating the muley saw and carriage.
  • Interpret the Blacksmith Shop according to approved materials.
  • Learn how to manage and relate to various groups who visit the site during the season.
  • Understand correct procedures for handling and care of artifacts including accessioned and reproduction items.
  • Perform in skilled fashion the typical activities of a historic blacksmith, including preparing fire in the forge, using tongs and other tools to shape hot metal, using the bellows to augment the fire, using sand and water to quench the heat of the iron.
  • Maintain professional quality control over blacksmith operations as directed by the Lead Interpreter, making only approved objects in the shop.

Salary Information
Pay is $14.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 18-00.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 10 - 15 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Qualifications
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) interpretive methodologies, including guided tours.
  • Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) site specific history.
  • Knowledge of material culture, its connection to cultural history, and the ability to build these elements into interpretation (or willingness to learn).
  • Ability to use email and enter time using computer technology.
  • Ability to convey site interpretive programs in an effective way.
  • Ability to work in an environment which may be dusty, hot, humid, moldy and open to pollen, ragweed and other allergens at times, while in 1850s period clothes.
  • Ability to lift and carry at least 35 pounds.

How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.or g or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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