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Metalsmithing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Part-time Faculty, Art (Studio)

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$75.81 - $119.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... metalsmithing, and sculpture). Teaching assignment(s) may include any of the curriculum approved courses within the discipline of Art. Minimum Qualifications Must meet one of the sets of ...

Metalsmithing information

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$11

$16

$23

How much do metalsmithing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for metalsmithing in California is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are metalsmiths in demand?

Metalsmithing is a specialized craft with steady demand in areas such as jewelry making, art, and custom metalwork. Opportunities often depend on local markets, craftsmanship skills, and the ability to sell through galleries, shops, or online platforms.

What can I do with a metalsmithing degree?

A metalsmithing degree prepares individuals for careers as jewelry designers, goldsmiths, or metal artisans, involving skills in metalworking, design, and craftsmanship. Graduates can work in studios, manufacturing, or galleries, often using tools like torches and hammers, and may pursue certifications to enhance employment opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in metalsmithing?

To thrive in metalsmithing, you need proficiency in metalworking techniques such as forging, soldering, welding, and fabrication, usually supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required in this field. Attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills enable metalsmiths to create intricate designs and resolve production challenges. These abilities are essential to ensure high-quality craftsmanship, workplace safety, and effective collaboration on custom or production-based projects.

What is metalsmithing?

A metalsmithing job involves shaping, cutting, and joining metal to create functional or decorative objects such as jewelry, sculptures, or tools. Metalsmiths work with various materials like copper, silver, brass, and steel, using techniques such as forging, soldering, and casting. They may work in industries like jewelry design, blacksmithing, or metal fabrication. Skilled metalsmiths often combine artistic creativity with technical expertise to produce unique and high-quality metalwork.

What does a metalsmith make?

A metalsmith creates objects from metal, including jewelry, sculptures, tools, and decorative items. They use skills such as soldering, forging, and polishing, often working with materials like silver, gold, copper, and steel in a workshop setting.

What do I need to start metalsmithing?

To start metalsmithing, you need basic tools such as hammers, pliers, files, and a work surface, along with safety equipment like goggles and gloves. Knowledge of metal properties and techniques such as soldering, shaping, and polishing is essential, and many practitioners begin with beginner classes or tutorials to develop skills.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in metalsmithing?

A typical day for a metalsmith often involves interpreting design specifications, selecting appropriate materials, and shaping metal through techniques like cutting, hammering, or welding. You may work independently or as part of a small team, especially if creating custom pieces or handling repairs. Collaboration with designers, clients, or other artisans is common to ensure finished products meet the desired standards. Attention to both artistic detail and safety protocols is crucial throughout the process, making the role varied, hands-on, and rewarding for those who enjoy working with their hands.

What are the most commonly searched types of Metalsmithing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Metalsmithing jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Metalsmithing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,254 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Art and Art History Lecturer Pool - Spatial

California State University

San Jose, CA

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Art and Art History Lecturer Pool - Spatial

Apply now Job no: 528060
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Jose
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Fine/Performing Arts, Temporary, Part Time


Department Summary

The Department of Art and Art History at San Jose State University is searching for part-time Sculpture faculty members with expertise in one or more of the following areas: three-dimensional design, metal-casting, welding, moldmaking, woodworking, mixed-media sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry/metalsmithing, robotics, electronics, interactive sculpture, installation art, and CNC-based fabrication. The successful candidate will teach courses within a dynamic department that encourages cross-disciplinary practice. We seek applicants with a contemporary, experimental art practice and a desire to have a voice in curriculum development. SJSU's Spatial Art program is known for its exceptional fabrication facilities and the breadth of its offerings in sculptural media.

Brief Description of Duties

  • Demonstrate awareness of and address the needs of a student population of great diversity-including age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation-through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement.
  • Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
  • All classes must be offered and meet as scheduled throughout the entire semester or term, in the mode assigned and listed in the schedule of classes (i.e., asynchronous, synchronous, bichronous, in-person, or hybrid).

Required Qualifications

  • Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture or a related field.
  • Candidates must have a clear demonstration of artistic achievement, as evidenced by a record of national or international exhibitions.
  • Teaching experience at the university level is required.
  • Exceptional technical and fabrication skills are necessary, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of equipment and material safety issues.
  • Strong writing skills and an ability to direct and assess student writing within the context of a studio class, are expected.
  • Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching and other comparable experience.
  • Applicants must address the needs of a student population of great diversity-in age, economic and cultural background, ethnicity, primary language, and academic preparation-through course materials, teaching strategies, and/or advisement

Preferred Qualifications

  • The ideal candidate will encourage critical thinking and iterative concept development within class assignments. Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration with peers working in all programs within the Department of Art and Art History, is an asset.
  • The ideal candidate will have a significant portfolio of creative work with research interests in emerging areas of artistic practice and theory, and in the changing roles of technology and craft in the art world.

Compensation

Compensation and salary range placement are determined by qualifications and experience. To learn more about range placement, please see University Policy S21-2.

Anticipated starting salary:

L-A / Range 2 - $5507 - $5959
L-B / Range 3 - $6221 - $7481
L-C / Range 4 - $6825 - $9431
L-D / Range 5 - $8593 - $10347

Range salaries above are the anticipated monthly salary rate of full-time AY faculty--part-time rates are prorated. There are 6 monthly payments per semester (full-time AY annual salary = rate x 12). See the Faculty Salary Schedule for more information.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

  • Cover Letter of application,
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Teaching Interests/ Philosophy
  • Contact Information for Three (3) References
  • 20 examples of applicant's original work (as a single PDF)
  • 20 examples of student work  (as a single PDF)

This is a continuing open position, applications will be reviewed as needed.

Employment Conditions

Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., preventing discrimination and harassment, gender equity and Title IX, health and safety). Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty member in this position will subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu. The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Conditional Offer

The work for this faculty position is located in the State of California and requires commuting to the campus. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Offers of employment are conditional, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment considerations and subject to order of assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. These provisions state the order in which available courses must be assigned to faculty, starting with tenure line faculty and ending with new lecturer appointees.

San Jose State University: Silicon Valley's Public University

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley-one of the most innovative and diverse regions in the world-San Jose State University is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and the first public university in the West. Recognized as a national leader in transformative higher education, San Jose State University is an essential contributor to the economic, cultural, and social development of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and California. SJSU ranks high nationally in research funding and is second highest in research productivity in the CSU system. Cutting-edge research, combined with world-class scholarship, student-centered learning opportunities, and experiential and interdisciplinary programs, allows SJSU to provide transformative opportunities that advance the public good locally and globally.

San Jose State enrolls more than 36,000 students - many are historically underserved, and around 45% are first-generation and 38% are Pell-recipients. SJSU is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Serving Institution. The university's commitment to social justice extends from its vibrant, inclusive campus to an international network of over 275,000 alumni. As such, San Jose State is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty so our disciplines, students, and community can benefit from different and divergent cultural and identity perspectives.
Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Note that all San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Advertised: May 24 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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