Silverware Artisans and Workers

Production workers in the silverware industry are often paid an hourly rate. Alternatively, they can earn piecework or incentive rates, which are based on the amount of work they complete. Earnings vary with the particular job and skill level of the worker.

Some unskilled workers start as low as minimum wage ($15,080 annually based on a 40-hour week). However, in time they may be able to increase their pay by earning piecework rates. Earnings are generally higher for workers with special training and skills. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following mean annual earnings for workers in the jewelry and silver manufacturing industry in May 2023: assemblers and fabricators, $32,510; commercial and industrial designers, $73.690; machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, $37,550; and tool and die makers, $62,910. Silversmiths and other precious-metal workers earned on average between $30,790 and $78,500 a year, with a median salary of $47,450.

In addition to their regular pay, production workers and designers usually receive such benefits as health insurance, pensions, paid vacation days and sick leave, employee assistance programs, and profit sharing plans. Workers may also be able to buy company products at a discount.