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$9

$19

$30

How much do blacksmithing jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for blacksmithing in Virginia is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.49 and $26.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Blacksmithing jobs in Virginia? For Blacksmithing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Blacksmithing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Blacksmithing jobs in Virginia are:
Blacksmithing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blacksmithing job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,324 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Paddock Blacksmith (Summer 2026)

Colonial Downs & Rosie's - New Kent

New Kent, VA

Temporary

Posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Rosie’s Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

JOB SUMMARY

The Paddock Blacksmith promotes an efficient race program by inspecting, replacing, and repairing horseshoes in the paddock area. This is a seasonal position for the Summer race meet at Colonial Downs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Inspects, replaces, and repairs shoes or missing shoes in the paddock area with speed and efficiency.
  • Collaborates with the paddock judge to ensure smooth shoe repair processes and enhance the functionality of the race program.
  • Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, to foster positive relations with team members.
  • Upholds professionalism when interacting with colleagues and guests.
  • Fosters excellent relations with horsemen.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

#colonialdownsracetrack

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and thorough with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations associated with horse racing.
  • Ability to safely and effectively operate blacksmithing equipment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in a farrier or blacksmith capacity.
  • Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and vibration. 
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, push, pull, lift, reach, twist, and bend while enduring prolonged periods of standing and walking. 
  • The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. 
  • The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. 
  • The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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