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Entry Level Blacksmith Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STS Metals

GRINDER (1st Shift)

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This is an entry-level, hands-on role that supports grinders by staging material, removing scrap ... Must be able to follow lead and directions from crew blacksmith to move material on press to forge.

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Entry Level Blacksmith information

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$12

$16

$22

How much do entry level blacksmith jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level blacksmith in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level blacksmith do?

An entry level blacksmith assists in forging, shaping, and repairing metal objects using hand tools, hammers, and heat from a forge. They typically perform basic tasks like heating metal, cleaning work areas, and maintaining tools, while learning more advanced techniques under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in metalworking and the fundamentals of traditional blacksmithing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Blacksmith, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Blacksmith, you need foundational skills in metalworking, basic knowledge of metallurgy, and often a high school diploma or completion of an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with tools such as anvils, forges, hammers, tongs, and safety equipment is essential, and some positions may require OSHA safety certification. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing quality metalwork safely and efficiently while developing expertise for more advanced blacksmithing tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level blacksmiths during their first year on the job?

Entry level blacksmiths often encounter challenges such as mastering fundamental hammering techniques, developing precision in shaping metal, and building physical endurance for repetitive tasks. Additionally, adapting to safety protocols and learning to maintain tools and equipment are critical aspects that require attention. New blacksmiths also spend considerable time observing and assisting more experienced colleagues, which can be both educational and demanding as they gradually take on more complex projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Blacksmith vs Apprentice Blacksmith?

AspectEntry Level BlacksmithApprentice Blacksmith
CredentialsBasic skills, possibly some certificationTraining under a master blacksmith, learning skills
Work EnvironmentEntry-level workshops, retail or small shopsMentorship settings, apprenticeship workshops
Industry UsageEntry-level positions in blacksmithing shopsLearning phase, often unpaid or low paid

Entry Level Blacksmiths are typically individuals starting their careers with basic skills, often working in entry-level positions. Apprentice Blacksmiths are in a training phase, learning craft techniques under supervision. While both roles involve hands-on blacksmithing, apprentices focus on skill development, whereas entry-level workers may perform simpler tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression in blacksmithing.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Blacksmith jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Blacksmith job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Blacksmith jobs? The most popular types of Blacksmith jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Blacksmith jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Blacksmith jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Blacksmith jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Blacksmith jobs are:
Entry Level Blacksmith jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Blacksmith job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,227 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Craftsman

ROBERT THOMAS IRON DESIGN LLC

North Charleston, SC

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Experience Level:Entry-Level

Employment Type: Full Time (40 hours per week + Overtime potential)

Pay Range:$18 per hour

Robert Thomas Iron Design (RTID) is a rapidly growing modern blacksmithing company - a place where craftspeople can be challenged and grow as craftspeople while building a great product and career. We are a diverse group of artists, designers, craftsmen, blacksmiths, metal fabricators, and manufacturing professionals with the common goal of developing and forging products and projects that keep the spirit of blacksmithing alive through our mix of custom and production artisanal iron products. RTID's craftsmen and designers create one-of-a-kind architectural ironwork commissions as well as unique furniture, hardware, and cookware pieces for a variety of private, commercial, and civic clients. We employ a mix of traditional blacksmith techniques, modern machining, and fabrication methods to create some of the most unique and beautiful ironwork projects in the country. At RTID, we strive to create an environment where craftsmen can pursue mastery of their craft; a creative place to learn, grow, develop and build a fulfilling career. Our goal is toinspire craftsmanship in all we do. Located in the historic Charleston Naval Yard, we are committed to a high standard in everything we do and have fun doing it. Check us out at:www.robertthomasiron.com

Work style and Benefits:

  • Standard production schedule is first shift only, Monday through Thursday
    • Four 10-hour days: 7am to 6pm with 1-hour lunch break
    • Overtime Potential
    • 3-day weekend most weeks (production dependent)
  • Overtime paid at 1.5 times a Craftsman's base wage rate
  • Company subsidized Medical, Dental and Vision plans
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Company matching contributions
  • Company sponsored Short-Term Disability and Term Life Insurance
  • Annual company stipend for clothing and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) - including steel toed boots or shoes
  • Six paid Holidays per year
  • Accrued Personal Time Off (PTO)
  • Weekly company paid lunch (typically on Wednesday) - affectionately known-asMeat Day, where our in-house Pit-Boss smokes the meats on-site all morning

Experience, qualifications, and what will make you thrive at RTID:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in metalwork, manufacturing, assembly, blacksmithing, machining, metal fabrication, welding, or related field is desirablebut NOT required
  • Mechanically inclined and capable of following detailed work instructions and processes
  • Adept at and enjoy problem solving
  • Self-motivated, dependable and goal driven - will do attitude to meet production goals
  • Attentive to detail, precise, and strive to perform at your best in everything you do
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast paced team manufacturing environment
  • Must have good communication and interpersonal skills to communicate rapidly and effectively within the organization
  • Familiarity with manual work, hand tools, and workshop safety
  • Ability to use small power tools like sander, grinders, drills and other shop equipment
  • Mechanically inclined, capable of reading and interpreting detailed mechanical drawings, blueprints, and sketches -then effectively converting/fabricating to physical form
  • Self-motivated, dependable and goal driven -will do attitudeto meet project goals and timelines

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift 50 to 100 lbs.
  • Dexterity to manipulate steel components through varying mechanical processes

We are seeking aspiring and experienced craftsman production team members who have the right attitude and aptitude to build beautiful products. You will learn to make hand-forged artisanal carbon steel products from start to finish. Each of our products are formed and finished by hand and with the assistance of task specific tooling and machinery - so each piece has a unique story to tell. As a member of our team, you'll be trained in every aspect of crafting carbon steel and will gain valuable experience in the fundamentals and advanced techniques of metal work along the way.
Direct Responsibilities:

  • Create artisan carbon steel products using traditional blacksmith techniques
  • Forge, shape, texture, assemble and steel
  • Use sanders, grinders, riveters, presses, hammers to safely manipulate metal
  • Work within your team to meet production deadlines
  • Follow our work instructions and process for creating beautiful and functional pieces of artisan steel products
  • Own the quality of everything you produce - ensure all work performed meets the product and process quality as designed
  • Use squares, levels, and other measuring tools to assure all elements are produced to specifications
  • Work safely by following all safety policies and standards

Are you looking to be part of a growing local company? Does RTID sound like the environment for you to advance your skills and forge a long-term career? Apply to RTID today and add your story to the products we produce.

Apply