Metal Arts: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate fusion of creativity and craftsmanship in metal arts, where students cultivate both artistic vision and advanced technical proficiency to produce sophisticated, handcrafted metalwork. This program emphasizes the mastery of traditional and contemporary techniques, fostering innovation within the realm of fine metal design and sculpture.
- Aesthetics: Study the principles of visual harmony, form, and composition to guide the creation of compelling and meaningful metal artworks.
- Anodizing: Learn surface treatment processes that enhance metal durability and introduce vibrant coloration through electrochemical oxidation.
- Art History: Examine historical and cultural contexts of metalwork across civilizations, informing contemporary artistic practice with deep scholarly insight.
- Casting: Master techniques for shaping metal by pouring molten material into molds, including lost-wax and sand casting methods.
- Design: Develop conceptual and technical skills in planning and visualizing metal artworks, integrating function and form at both small and large scales.
- Electroforming: Utilize electrochemical deposition to build up metal layers on a mold, enabling the creation of complex, lightweight, and organic forms.
- Enameling: Apply powdered glass to metal surfaces and fuse it through high-heat firing to achieve durable, colorful, and detailed finishes.
- Metalsmithing: Focus on hand fabrication techniques such as forging, soldering, and shaping, emphasizing precision and craftsmanship in small-scale metal objects.
- Sculpture: Engage in the creation of freestanding and site-specific metal sculptures, exploring materiality, scale, and spatial interaction.
- Two and three-dimensional design: Investigate spatial relationships and structural integrity in both flat and volumetric metal compositions.
- Wax carving: Employ carving and modeling techniques to craft detailed wax models used in casting processes, particularly in jewelry and intricate metal forms.
- Welding: Gain expertise in joining metal components using heat-based methods, including arc, MIG, and TIG welding for structural and artistic applications.
Metal Arts Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Metal Arts Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Metal Arts degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers and Craft Artists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 125,680 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers 51-9071 | $49,140 | $33,890 - $81,610 | 23,420 | $23.63 |
| Craft Artists 27-1012 | $38,480 | $22,620 - $65,850 | 4,370 | $18.50 |
Metal Arts Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $40,530 in Nevada to $89,105 in Hawaii—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, District of Columbia, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 125,680 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Metal Arts by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Metal Arts programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Metal Arts is found at Cranbrook Academy of Art (7 graduates), State University of New York, New Paltz (5 graduates), and SUNY Buffalo State University (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 13 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranbrook Academy of Art |
Master's
|
7 | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan | Private | cranbrookart.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
5 | New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Metal Arts programs
How much can I earn with a Metal Arts degree?
Salaries for Metal Arts graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers earn around $49,140. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $89,105 compared to $40,530 in Nevada. Approximately 125,680 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Metal Arts programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Metal Arts degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cranbrook Academy of Art (7 graduates), State University of New York, New Paltz (5 graduates), and SUNY Buffalo State University (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Metal Arts degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers, and Craft Artists. Related occupations employ approximately 125,680 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Arts Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Arts field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
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