An Accredited Jewelry Professional is a jeweler who completed the Gemological Institute of America’s training program and obtained a diploma. The Accredited Jewelry Professional training program prepares individuals to become successful sales associates in the jewelry retail sales industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated wages for these professionals in May 2010.
Training
Although most employers provide on-the-job training for this occupation, the Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma may increase salary and employment opportunities. The training program coursework and exams are completed on the Internet. The cost of the course is $450 and requires an enrollment application.
Salary
An estimated 88,450 retail jewelry sales professionals were in the United States in May 2010. The average salary was $26,520 per year of these professionals. The salary ranged from $16,590 to $40,860 per year, including the 10th through 90th percentiles. Some jewelry sales professionals are paid commissions and bonuses based on the profit of each sale.
Hourly Wages
Some jewelry sales associates work part-time or earn hourly wages. The average hourly wage was $12.75 per hour. The 25th percentile earned $8.86 per hour and the 75th percentile earned $14.63 per hour. The 10th percentile earned less than $7.98 per hour and the 90th percentile earned more than $19.65 per hour.
Advancement
A jewelry sales associate can move into roles such as a gemologist specializing in different types of jewelry and precious metals. Along with the Accredited Jewelry Professional program, the Gemological Institute of America offers other training programs for gemologists in diamond and colored stone specialties. In May 2010, the average salary for gemologists and other workers specializing in jewelry, precious stones and metal was $38,520 per year or $18.52 per hour.
