| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Examine assembled or finished products to ensure conformance to specifications, using magnifying glasses or precision measuring instruments. |
| Importance: 93 (%) | Description: Record the weights and processing times of finished pieces. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Clean and polish metal items and jewelry pieces, using jewelers' tools, polishing wheels, and chemical baths. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Shape and straighten damaged or twisted articles by hand or using pliers. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Create jewelry from materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Smooth soldered joints and rough spots, using hand files and emery paper, and polish smoothed areas with polishing wheels or buffing wire. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Cut and file pieces of jewelry such as rings, brooches, bracelets, and lockets. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Position stones and metal pieces, and set, mount, and secure items in place, using setting and hand tools. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Write or modify design specifications such as the metal contents and weights of items. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Make repairs, such as enlarging or reducing ring sizes, soldering pieces of jewelry together, and replacing broken clasps and mountings. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Soften metal to be used in designs by heating it with a gas torch and shape it, using hammers and dies. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Compute costs of labor and materials to determine production costs of products and articles. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Research and analyze reference materials, and consult with interested parties to develop new products or modify existing designs. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Select and acquire metals and gems for designs. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Pierce and cut open designs in ornamentation, using hand drills and scroll saws. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Create new jewelry designs and modify existing designs, using computers as necessary. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Mark, engrave, or emboss designs on metal pieces such as castings, wire, or jewelry, following specifications. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Grade stones based on their color, perfection, and quality of cut. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Construct preliminary models of wax, metal, clay, or plaster, and form sample castings in molds. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Plate articles such as jewelry pieces and watch dials, using silver, gold, nickel, or other metals. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Pour molten metal alloys or other materials into molds to cast models of jewelry. |
Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).
These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.
Here is a short Helper Video
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs ![]()
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Description: Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
32,400U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
32,100
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
-300 (-0.8%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
3,800
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Buy and sell jewelry, or serve as agents between buyers and sellers. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Determine appraised values of diamonds and other gemstones based on price guides, market fluctuations, and stone grades and rarity. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Design and fabricate molds, models, and machine accessories, and modify hand tools used to cast metal and jewelry pieces. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Cut designs in molds or other materials to be used as models in the fabrication of metal and jewelry products. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Lay out designs on metal stock, and cut along markings to fabricate pieces used to cast metal molds. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Weigh, mix, and melt metal alloys or materials needed for jewelry models. |
| Importance: 44 (%) | Description: Anneal precious metal objects such as coffeepots, tea sets, and trays in gas ovens for prescribed times to soften metal for reworking. |
| Importance: 32 (%) | Description: Rout out locations where parts are to be joined to items, using routing machines. |
| Importance: 25 (%) | Description: Rotate molds to distribute alloys and to prevent formation of air pockets. |
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Adjust position of molds during processing. | |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | |
| Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products. | |
| Build production molds. | |
| Clean workpieces or finished products. | |
| Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications. | |
| Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. | |
| Design jewelry or decorative objects. | |
| Determine the value of goods or services. | |
| Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references. | |
| Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials. | |
| Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products. | |
| Estimate costs of products, services, or materials. | |
| Evaluate quality of materials or products. | |
| Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production. | |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | |
| Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes. | |
| Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production. | |
| Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. | |
| Order materials, supplies, or equipment. | |
| Place materials into molds. | |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | |
| Prepare materials for processing. | |
| Purchase products or services. | |
| Record operational or production data. | |
| Repair precision devices or workpieces. | |
| Reshape small metal components for precision assembly. | |
| Select production input materials. | |
| Sell products or services. | |
| Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools. | |
| Smooth metal surfaces or edges. | |
| Solder parts or workpieces. | |
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data. |
| Importance: 59 (%) | Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Apply protective solutions or coatings. |
| Activity: Assemble products or work aids. |
| Activity: Clean workpieces, finished products, or other objects. |
| Activity: Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications. |
| Activity: Create artistic designs or performances. |
| Activity: Cut materials. |
| Activity: Determine values or prices of goods or services. |
| Activity: Drill holes in earth or materials. |
| Activity: Engrave objects. |
| Activity: Evaluate production inputs or outputs. |
| Activity: Join parts using soldering, welding, or brazing techniques. |
| Activity: Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment. |
| Activity: Position materials or components for assembly. |
| Activity: Position tools or equipment. |
| Activity: Prepare industrial materials for processing or use. |
| Activity: Prepare mixtures or solutions. |
| Activity: Purchase goods or services. |
| Activity: Repair workpieces or products. |
| Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects. |
| Activity: Sell products or services. |
| Activity: Shape materials to create products. |
| Activity: Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment. |
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
| Emerging Tech Skills |
| Accounting software: |
| Intuit QuickBooks |
| Electronic mail software: |
| Microsoft Outlook |
| Graphics or photo imaging software: |
| Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop |
| Spreadsheet software: |
| Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software: |
| Microsoft Word |
| General Software Tools |
| Computer aided design CAD software: |
| Computer assisted jewelry design CAD software Metal designing software |
| Customer relationship management CRM software: |
| Customer information databases |
| Data base user interface and query software: |
| Retail management software |
| Internet browser software: |
| Web browser software |
| Inventory management software: |
| Inventory tracking software |
| Point of sale POS software: |
| Jewelry store point of sale POS software |
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants. |
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 25.3 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 21.4 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 19.5 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 16.5 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.8 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 6.9 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.6 (%) | Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma |
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 25.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 21.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 12.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 12.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 10.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.5 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 5.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years |
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Certified Gemologist | |
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) | |
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Jewelers of America (JA) | |
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National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) | |
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The National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) | |
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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