Precious metals are a broad and diverse industry with many job opportunities. The demand for precious metals continues to grow as the world’s economic system becomes increasingly complex. The industry is expanding rapidly as governments seek new sources of revenue and investors seek safe places to store wealth. The industry has generated billions of dollars in revenue for the economy. In 2019, the industry was worth $182.1 billion.
Jobs in the precious metals industry provide good wages and benefits. They also help local businesses.
The industry also generates tax revenue. The government collects taxes from precious metals companies that contribute to the economy’s overall health. These taxes help to fund important programs and services that benefit all citizens.
Precious metals have not only become a valuable resource that has many benefits for the economy, but they are also used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. In addition, they have important industrial uses.
We compiled the list of some of the jobs in this industry and their earnings potential.
Jobs in the Precious Metals Industry
Jewelry Appraisers
Jewelry appraisers are experts who evaluate the value of jewelry items. They determine the worth of a piece based on its condition, design, and materials.
Their job requires them to know about gemstones, metals, and diamonds. They may use magnifying glasses and machines to examine the pieces.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for a jewelry appraiser is around $59,991
That comes to about $29/ hour and $4,999/month.
Jewelry Designer
A jewelry designer creates designs for rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. A jewelry designer may work at a jewelry store or design their pieces.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for a jewelry designer is around $42,601
That comes to about $20/ hour and $3,550/month.
Jewelry Maker
A jewelry maker makes jewelry from metal, plastic, glass, wood, or other materials. Jewelry makers often use machines to cut materials into specific shapes.
Earning potential
The average annual salary for a jewelry Maker is around $65,072
That comes to about $31/ hour and $5,422/month.
Gemologist
A gemologist is a person who specializes in gems and precious stones.
They also examine a stone’s color, weight, hardness, and fluorescence and determine if it is natural or synthetic.
They use various tools to identify a gemstone’s origin and characteristics.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for a gemologist is around $54,925
That comes to about $26.41/ hour and $4,577/month.
Refinery Operator
Refinery operators are responsible for operating the equipment at the oil refineries. They operate tanks, pumps, valves, and other machinery that moves crude oil through the refinery.
They also monitor and maintain the safety of employees and the environment.
Earning potential
The average annual salary for a refinery operator is around $98,500
That comes to about $36.47/ hour and $8,208/month.
Refinery Technician
A refinery technician is a skilled worker who works in the refining industry.
They are employed to perform maintenance on the equipment in the company, clean the pipes, or even repair them if they break down.
Earning potential
The average annual salary for a Refinery technician is around $54,316
That comes to about $26/ hour and $4,526/month.
Goldsmith
Goldsmith’s work is about making beautiful things out of metals. They create objects– jewelry, coins, tools, and others out of different types of metals.
Earning potential
The average annual salary for a goldsmith is around $48,886
That comes to about $24/hour and $4,073/month.
Caster Operator
Caster operators monitor the flow of material through the system, ensuring that the product meets quality standards.
They are also in charge of the production process of the precious metals in the industry.
Earning potential
The average annual salary for a caster operator is around $35,955
That comes to about $17.29/ hour and $2,996/month.
Quality Control Specialist
Quality Control Specialists are responsible for ensuring the product meets the specifications set forth by the company’s quality assurance department. They verify the metals, processes, and equipment used to produce the finished products.
They also ensure the production line runs smoothly by performing daily inspections and testing samples throughout the day.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for Quality Control Specialist is around $48,017
That comes to about $23.09/ hour and $4,001/month.
Precious Metal Consultant
Precious metals consultants help clients understand their options and decide what they should do with their metal products.
They help clients determine whether they should sell or purchase products from the industry.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for a precious metal consultant is around $41,900
That comes to about $20/ hour and $3,491/month.
Precious Metal Analyst
Precious metal analysts are responsible for analyzing the physical and financial aspects of the metal products– gold and silver.
They are also responsible for providing their clients with information about the current market trends.
Earning Potential
The average annual salary for a precious metal analyst is around $70,892
That comes out to about $34.08/ hour and 5,907/month.
Conclusion
As you can see, plenty of opportunities are available in the precious metals market.
There are a host of fields where precious metals prospective employees like yourself can make a big impact on the market and have fun doing it.
Overall, working in the precious metals industry seems to be a great job opportunity, with advantages like flexibility, an opportunity for advancement, lucrative career options, a steady job market, and strong wages.
So what are you waiting for? 🙂