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Blacksmithing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ornamental Iron- Welder

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Ornamental iron shop that does blacksmithing. Willing to train. Experience a plus. Must be able to read a tape measure, grind, paint and be ready to learn. Pay is based on skill level. Must be able ...

Ornamental Iron- Welder

Birmingham, AL

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Ornamental iron shop that does blacksmithing. Willing to train. Experience a plus. Must be able to read a tape measure, grind, paint and be ready to learn. Pay is based on skill level. Must be able ...

August Christian Peterson studied blacksmithing in the early 1900's - the trade of choice for early spring makers. He managed various plants in the Midwest before founding his own company in 1914.

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Blacksmithing information

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How much do blacksmithing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for blacksmithing in the United States is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In blacksmithing, earning $2000 a day is uncommon and typically associated with highly specialized or high-end custom work, such as creating custom metal art, sculptures, or working on large-scale projects for affluent clients. Such income levels often require extensive experience, reputation, and sometimes working as a contractor or running a business rather than standard employment. Most blacksmithing jobs pay significantly less, with high earnings usually linked to niche markets or entrepreneurial ventures.

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 solid practical knowledge of metallurgy, forging techniques, and metalworking, often gained through apprenticeships or vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as anvils, hammers, tongs, power hammers, and safety equipment is essential, and certifications in welding or metal fabrication can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help blacksmiths produce high-quality, bespoke metalwork and adapt to design challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring both the functionality and artistry of metal products, as well as maintaining safety in a demanding workshop environment.

What are some common challenges faced by blacksmiths in a modern workshop environment?

Blacksmiths in modern workshops often face challenges such as adapting traditional techniques to new technologies, maintaining safety standards while working with high temperatures and heavy equipment, and sourcing quality materials. Additionally, balancing custom orders with production work and managing time efficiently can be demanding. Collaboration with other craftsmen and clients is also crucial for meeting specific design requirements and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Blacksmithing vs Metal Fabrication?

AspectBlacksmithingMetal Fabrication
CredentialsMinimal formal education, apprenticeships commonOften requires technical certifications or degrees
Work EnvironmentTraditional workshops, small-scale projectsFactories, large workshops, industrial settings
Industry UsageArt, custom ironwork, repairsMass production, structural components, machinery
Tools & TechniquesHammer, anvil, forge, hand toolsCutting, welding, CNC machines, power tools

Blacksmithing focuses on handcrafted metalwork, artistic pieces, and repairs using traditional tools. Metal fabrication involves large-scale manufacturing, structural components, and industrial processes with advanced machinery. While both roles work with metal, their environments, techniques, and scope differ significantly.

Can blacksmithing be a career?

Blacksmithing is a skilled trade that can be pursued as a career, often involving creating custom metalwork, tools, or decorative items. It typically requires training, experience with tools like hammers and anvils, and sometimes certification or apprenticeships to develop proficiency and establish a professional reputation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In blacksmithing, highly skilled artisans who create custom or high-end metalwork can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with a strong reputation and niche specialization. Success often depends on experience, craftsmanship, and business skills, as well as working in a well-paying market or selling through galleries, online platforms, or custom commissions.

What is blacksmithing?

Blacksmithing is the craft of forging and shaping metal, typically iron or steel, using tools like hammers, anvils, and tongs. Blacksmiths heat metal in a forge until it becomes malleable, then hammer, bend, and cut it to create objects such as horseshoes, tools, decorative items, and hardware. This ancient trade requires both physical strength and technical skill, as well as a deep understanding of metallurgy. Blacksmiths can work in traditional settings or modern workshops, and the craft continues to be valued for both functional and artistic creations.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In blacksmithing, earning $1,000,000 annually is rare and typically requires owning a successful business, high-end custom work, or specialized skills in luxury markets. Most blacksmiths earn significantly less, with top professionals potentially reaching high six-figure incomes through reputation, niche expertise, and business growth. Achieving a seven-figure income often involves entrepreneurship beyond standard craft work.
What cities are hiring for Blacksmithing jobs? Cities with the most Blacksmithing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Blacksmithing jobs? The most popular types of Blacksmithing jobs are:
What states have the most Blacksmithing jobs? States with the most job openings for Blacksmithing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Blacksmithing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,492 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Faculty - Blacksmithing Instructor / TA

Faculty - Blacksmithing Instructor / TA

The Crucible

Oakland, CA • On-site

$27.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Our mission:
The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming,
hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an
innovative hub built around the industrial arts, The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth
and vibrant community connections.
In addition to supporting working and emerging artists and art students, The Crucible has become increasingly focused in recent years on supporting career pathways into the arts and the industrial trades, and on supporting access to our
programs for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland.
The Opportunity:
The Blacksmithing department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach blacksmithing classes at our 56,000-square-foot non-profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of alternative metals that can be utilized to create artwork and tooling. We are looking for at least 1-2 years of teaching experience in an
informal or formal education setting.
The ideal candidate is interested in making teaching an ongoing part of their blacksmithing
practice. We do offer instructors access to the blacksmithing studio and tools, but our studio is
too small to support a production artist who seeks to run their business out of our space. We
have worked hard to increase diversity among our teacher and student population, welcoming
young creatives seeking to explore their culture through creativity.
Artists who can support this approach are welcome, as are those who appreciate both the
creative and the healing experience of making. If you are passionate about sharing your skills
with a wide range of students and want to be in a collaborative environment with other teaching
artists, this is a great place for you!
Classes are held at night, on the weekends, and during the day during the week. Instructors
have the opportunity to both learn the curriculum for a specific class and to schedule their
participation in a way that works for them. Many instructors come to The Crucible for studio
access before and after their classes. We ask experienced blacksmiths to initially TA a class so
they can learn our curriculum, before moving them into a lead and/or co-teaching position.
Pay: We pay $19.95 an hour for a Teaching Assistant role, and $25.00-$27.50 per hour for an
instructor, based on experience and seniority in the organization.
Non-cash benefits: Faculty members who have worked within the previous 6 months receive
access to the blacksmithing department studio when classes are not in session and
maintenance is not scheduled. Faculty also have access to free tuition (though materials and
studio fees must be paid.) Some prerequisites apply.
Requirements
Qualifications:
  • One year of teaching experience in an informal or formal education setting.
  • 2 years of blacksmithing and metalsmithing experience OR have taken at least 2 years of higher education blacksmithing classes, and/or have taken ABANA/CBA accredited smithing courses.

Preferred qualifications (Instructor):
  • Two years of teaching experience, with a track record of success, preferably in arts education. Previous blacksmithing teaching experience is highly desired.
  • Five years of experience producing work in your core teaching areas
  • Ability to meet students where they are and help them to grow as creators
  • Respect for everyone's differences, approach, and creativity
  • A strong commitment to teaching, collaboration, and curriculum design and development

Responsibilities (Instructor):
  • Teach hands-on, in-person adult and/or youth blacksmithing classes in an artistically diverse environment
  • Participate in departmental and faculty meetings
  • Adhere to blacksmithing studio rules and uphold studio standards of safety & cleanliness
  • Support The Crucible's policies and strict adherence to The Crucible studio safety rules
  • Organize tools and supplies before & after class and communicate with Dept. Head regarding the state of the studio & any issues that occurred during class.
  • Collaborate with the Department Head and studio to order materials as needed
  • Occasionally take photos for the purpose of class promotion

Curriculum:
  • The curriculum includes teaching courses in areas that focus on foundational skills
  • There are also opportunities for faculty to bring their own curriculum or work with the Department Head on curriculum development

Faculty Meetings, Open Houses, & Events
  • Attend two open houses or events a year to represent your area
  • Attend at least three paid faculty meetings a year
  • Participate in demonstrations and shows when able

This is an hourly, part-time position based in Oakland, California. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply: Please apply by clicking the link, and include with your cover letter and resume a link to portfolio, or PDF file of images of your completed work.
Salary Description
$19.95-$27.50 per hour