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Gilding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peters Custom Picture Framing & Gallery

Be Seen First

Picture Framer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

... gilding and art restoration. A real old-school craft business that's still going strong.

Chickasha Public Schools

Custodian

Chickasha, OK · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Visually inspect all gilding areas that need supplies, such as paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, etc. daily. * Keep buildings and premises, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking ...

Chickasha Public Schools

Custodian

Chickasha, OK · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Visually inspect all gilding areas that need supplies, such as paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, etc. daily. * Keep buildings and premises, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking ...

Evergreene Architectural Arts

Foreperson

Washington, DC · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Skilled in one or more relevant trades (plaster, decorative painting, gilding, etc.) * Ability to read and interpret construction documents, shop drawings, and installation details. * You are ...

Chickasha Public Schools

Custodian

Chickasha, OK

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Visually inspect all gilding areas that need supplies, such as paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, etc. daily. * Keep buildings and premises, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking ...

Macmillan

Associate Editor, Fablelistik

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Collaborate with Production to track edition specific special features (e.g., ribbon markers, head/tail bands, slipcases, foil stamping, edge gilding, and paper quality). * Visual QA: Review ...

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Gilding information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do gilding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for gilding in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is gilding a career?

Gilding is a skilled craft involving applying thin layers of gold or other metals to surfaces, often as an artistic or decorative profession. It can be a full-time career for artisans, requiring knowledge of materials, tools, and techniques, and may involve working in studios, restoration, or custom projects.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of gilding, highly experienced professionals such as master gilders or those working in luxury or high-end restoration projects can earn around $400,000 annually, especially if they own their business or work on prestigious commissions. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and a strong reputation in the industry.

What is a Gilding job?

A gilding job involves applying thin layers of gold, silver, or other metal leaf to surfaces for decorative or protective purposes. Gilders work on a variety of items, including furniture, picture frames, architectural details, and artwork. The process requires precision, craftsmanship, and knowledge of adhesives and finishing techniques. Gilders may work in restoration, preservation, or new design projects to enhance objects with a luxurious or historical finish.

What types of projects or environments can I expect to work in as a Gilder?

As a Gilder, you may work on a wide range of projects, including restoring historic architecture, embellishing picture frames, crafting decorative objects, or applying ornate finishes in luxury interiors. Work environments can vary from artisan workshops and restoration studios to on-site locations in museums, heritage buildings, or high-end residences. You'll often collaborate with conservationists, designers, or other artisans depending on the project scope. This diversity provides the opportunity to develop specialized skills and build a diverse portfolio, which can lead to advancement or niche expertise within the decorative arts or restoration industry.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving skill requirements such as digital literacy. For roles like gilding, employers often seek specific craftsmanship skills and certifications, which can be harder for younger applicants to demonstrate without prior experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gilding position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gilder, you need expertise in applying gold leaf or metallic finishes to surfaces, along with a steady hand and artistic attention to detail, often cultivated through formal apprenticeships or hands-on training. Familiarity with specialized tools such as gilder’s knives, agate burnishers, and gilding adhesives, as well as knowledge of traditional and modern gilding techniques, is vital. Strong patience, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to collaborate with restoration teams or designers are valuable soft skills for this intricate craft. Mastery of these skills ensures high-quality workmanship, preservation of historical artifacts, and customer satisfaction in restoration, design, or decorative arts projects.

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

Gilding, a specialized craft involving applying gold leaf or gold paint to objects, typically does not pay $10,000 a month unless at a high level or running a successful business. Most earning potential in gilding depends on skill, reputation, and the scale of projects, with many artisans earning less than that monthly. High earnings may be possible for those who own a thriving gilding business or work on high-value projects, but it is uncommon without significant experience or specialization.
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Gilding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gilding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist -California

Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist -California

Restoration Hardware

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Restoration Hardware rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 58 rated furniture retailers

Job description

RH is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist to join our Dennis & Leen/Formations Workshop in Torrance, CA. This role is essential to the creation of handcrafted furniture pieces that embody the artistry and heritage of classical design. The Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist applies genuine gold leaf to wood furniture using traditional gilding methods to achieve historically inspired and visually stunning finishes. In this role, you bring an expert understanding of surface preparation, precision application, and decorative finishing, creating pieces that reflect enduring beauty, craftsmanship, and quality.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Apply genuine gold leaf to wood furniture surfaces using traditional water gilding, oil gilding, or surface gilding techniques
  • Prepare surfaces through sanding, sealing, and layering gesso and bole for proper adhesion and finish quality
  • Handle and lay gold leaf with precision to achieve smooth, consistent coverage or intentional antique effects
  • Burnish, tone, and distress gold leaf finishes to align with antique-style and historically inspired aesthetics
  • Collaborate with designers and finishers to ensure gilding complements the overall vision and design intent
  • Maintain a clean and organized workspace and follow safety and material handling protocols
  • Inspect finished pieces to confirm quality, consistency, and adherence to design specifications
OUR REQUIREMENTS
  • 3+ years of experience in gold leaf application, gilding, or decorative finishing
  • Proficiency in water gilding, oil gilding, and surface gilding methods using genuine gold leaf
  • Skilled in applying gesso, bole, and sealers to create optimal surface conditions for adhesion
  • Experience using agate burnishers, brushes, and toning agents to adjust sheen and depth of gold finishes
  • Knowledge of distressing, aging, and patina techniques to replicate antique or historically accurate finishes
  • Strong artistic judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to craftsmanship
  • Background in fine arts, restoration, or high-end furniture finishing preferred
  • Experience in luxury or custom furniture production preferred
  • Familiarity with complementary decorative techniques such as verre eglomise, stenciling, or hand painting preferred
  • Portfolio or examples of previous gilding or decorative finishing work strongly preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Handles and moves furniture components weighing up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 75 lbs. with assistance
  • Performs detailed visual and tactile analysis to ensure finish quality, color consistency, and surface precision
  • Stands, bends, and performs fine, repetitive hand movements for extended periods in a workshop environment
  • Works in areas with exposure to dust, noise, and finishing materials while adhering to safety and PPE standards
  • Uses hand and finishing tools requiring manual dexterity, control, and concentration
RH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.

At RH, we are committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role.

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