Jewelry Labor Standards 2025
Professional jewelry labor standards and pricing guide with industry benchmark rates, skill level classifications, time estimates, and comprehensive pricing strategies for bench jewelers, custom makers, and jewelry businesses.
Calculate Labor CostsIndustry Standards • Professional Rates • Expert Analysis
Industry Labor Rate Standards
Professional labor rates based on skill level, geographic location, and specialization. Rates updated for 2025 market conditions.
Apprentice
📚Hourly Rate$15-25
Experience0-2 years
Typical TasksBasic repair, polishing
Entry level, supervised work
Journeyman
🔧Hourly Rate$25-45
Experience3-7 years
Typical TasksSetting, sizing, repair
Independent bench work
MOST COMMON
Master
👑Hourly Rate$45-75
Experience8+ years
Typical TasksCustom work, complex
Expert craftsmanship
Specialist
💎Hourly Rate$75-150
Experience10+ years
Typical TasksRestoration, design
Rare specialization
Regional Labor Rate Variations
High-Cost Markets
Major metropolitan areas with premium pricing
NYC, SF, LA
Journeyman: $35-55/hr
Master: $60-100/hr
Market Factors
- • High cost of living +25-40%
- • Premium clientele
- • Competitive market
Average Markets
Mid-size cities and suburban areas
Most US Cities
Journeyman: $25-45/hr
Master: $45-75/hr
Market Factors
- • Standard cost of living
- • Mixed clientele
- • Balanced competition
NATIONAL AVERAGE
Lower-Cost Markets
Rural areas and small towns
Small Towns
Journeyman: $20-35/hr
Master: $35-55/hr
Market Factors
- • Lower cost of living -20-30%
- • Budget-conscious clients
- • Limited competition
Specialty Jewelry Skills & Rates
High-Skill Specialties
Master Stone Setter
$60-120/hour
- • Pavé and micro-pavé setting
- • Channel and invisible setting
- • Antique restoration setting
Master Engraver
$75-150/hour
- • Hand engraving and chasing
- • Monogram and script work
- • Relief and intaglio carving
Restoration Specialist
$80-200/hour
- • Antique jewelry restoration
- • Period-accurate techniques
- • Insurance restoration work
Standard Specialty Rates
CAD Designer
$40-80/hour
- • 3D modeling and rendering
- • Technical drawing creation
- • Manufacturing preparation
Casting Specialist
$35-65/hour
- • Lost wax casting setup
- • Investment and burnout
- • Centrifugal casting operation
Polishing Specialist
$25-45/hour
- • High-end finishing work
- • Multiple metal polishing
- • Quality control inspection
Standard Time Estimates
Basic Repairs
Ring sizing (up/down)0.5-1.5 hrs
Chain repair0.25-1 hr
Clasp replacement0.5-1 hr
Prong tightening0.25-0.5 hrs
Polish & clean0.25-0.5 hrs
Stone Setting
4-prong setting1-2 hrs
6-prong setting1.5-2.5 hrs
Bezel setting2-4 hrs
Channel setting3-6 hrs
Pavé (per stone)0.5-1 hr
Custom Work
Simple band3-6 hrs
Solitaire setting6-12 hrs
Complex ring15-30 hrs
Pendant8-20 hrs
Custom earrings10-25 hrs
Professional Pricing Strategies
Hourly vs. Project Pricing
Hourly Pricing Benefits
- • Fair compensation for complex work
- • Accounts for unexpected complications
- • Transparent time tracking
- • Easier to adjust for skill level
Project Pricing Benefits
- • Predictable customer costs
- • Rewards efficiency improvements
- • Simpler quotes and invoicing
- • Better profit margins
Rate Adjustment Factors
Rush Orders
Add 25-50% premium for expedited work
Difficult Materials
Titanium, platinum: +15-25% rate increase
High-Value Pieces
Insurance liability: minimum $100-150/hr
Antique Work
Historical pieces: +50-100% premium
Total Compensation Analysis
Employee Benefits
Health Insurance+$4-8/hr
Retirement (401k)+$1-3/hr
Paid Time Off+$2-4/hr
Training/Education+$1-2/hr
Self-Employment Costs
Self-Employment Tax+15.3%
Health Insurance+$6-12/hr
Business Insurance+$2-5/hr
Equipment/Tools+$3-8/hr
Recommended Minimums
Employee Rate
Base skill rate + 20%
Contractor Rate
Base skill rate + 40-60%
Shop Rate
Labor cost × 2.0-2.5
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