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Becoming A Blacksmith in Mattoon, Illinois

    United States
    Illinois
    Mattoon

Overview

A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend, and cut.
Compare to a teacher who only makes
$40,000/yr in Illinois

Tools of the Trade

Tongs
Tongs
Flatter
Flatter
Drifts
Drifts
Cross Pein Hammer
Cross Pein Hammer
Anvil
Anvil
Forge
Forge

What Blacksmiths Love About Their Trade

It's a timeless craft.
Pride in a job well done.
Getting to work with hands.

Characteristics

Ancient Craft
Not Customer Facing
Work Indoors
Variety of Tools
Physically Challenging
Art and a Science

Outlook

Optionality Potential
Medium
There are specializations within the trade.
Entrepreneurship Potential
High
Fairly low startup but does require a shop.
Demand Forecast
Medium
You must be good at marketing yourself.

Reviews
 (42) 

Troy G.
It's very rewarding to be able to shape metal to what you have in your head with your hands and some simple tools. It's a cool trade, and I'm constantly getting better. You've definitely got to be able to market your services.
Dustin R.
The best part about this trade is that ultimately you are an artist and your art lives forever in what you create with the iron. It hasn't made me rich, but it has made me a very happy and fulfilled man and let me work close to my family.
Pat K.
I like to be alone with my work, and make my vision a reality. Blacksmithing gives both of those things to me. It can take some time to find steady work but you will figure it out if you keep at it.
$62,720/ year
Estimated Salary

Blacksmith Apprenticeships In Illinois

Peoria,ILIllinois,ILLa Salle Co,ILMattoon,ILBloomington,ILSpringfield,ILDecatur,ILRockford,ILSouthern Il,ILChicago,ILWestern Il,ILChambana,IL

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