coppersmith
Key facts
Transform raw materials into beautiful and functional objects as a coppersmith. This skilled trade combines artistry and technical precision, crafting and repairing items from copper, brass, and similar metals.
Coppersmiths work with non-ferrous metals like copper and brass, shaping them into a variety of items using traditional smithing techniques and modern tools. Daily tasks involve interpreting designs, selecting appropriate materials, cutting, hammering, soldering, and polishing to achieve the desired form and finish. The work requires a keen eye for detail, manual dexterity, and an understanding of metal properties.
- • Cutting, shaping, and forming copper and brass using hand tools and machinery.
- • Fabricating items such as cookware, decorative panels, roofing, and plumbing fixtures.
- • Repairing damaged copper and brass objects, including soldering and patching.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Metal, machinery and related trades workers — 106 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia and 15 more.
Longest-running shortage: Austria, 4 years.
Where it is regulated, your qualification would need formal recognition before you could practise.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Future Outlook for coppersmith
The outlook for coppersmith reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could coppersmith change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could coppersmith change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- wear appropriate protective gear
- work in metal manufacture teams
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- produce customised products
- cast metal
- apply preliminary treatment to workpieces
Tasks most exposed to automation
No single task here is highly automatable yet.
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Construction
A typical day as a coppersmith
09 09:00 · Morning smooth burred surfaces
10 10:30 · Mid-morning manipulate copper
12 12:00 · Midday work in metal manufacture teams
14 14:00 · Afternoon apply precision metalworking techniques
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply preliminary treatment to workpieces
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply smithing techniques
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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chemical technologies in metal manufacture
The chemical procedures and technologies used in basic metal production.
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manufacture of small metal parts
The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that type, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored wire as well as barbed wire, wire fencing, grill, netting, cloth etc. Manufacture of coated electrodes for electric arc-welding, nails and pins, chain and springs (except watch springs), as well as leaves for springs.
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manufacturing of metal household articles
The manufacture of flatware , hollowware , dinnerware and other non-electrical utensils for use at the table or in the kitchen.
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manufacturing of metal structures
The production of metal structures for construction.
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non-ferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.
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types of metal manufacturing processes
Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.
- cold forging
- design drawings
- forging processes
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apply smithing techniques
Apply techniques and use technologies in relation to the various smithing processes, including sculpting, forging, upsetting, heat treating, and finishing.
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manipulate copper
Shape and manipulate copper materials using the appropriate non-ferrous metal processing techniques. Form the copper object into a product of practical or artistic use.
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assess suitability of metal types for specific application
Assess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.
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produce customised products
Produce goods designed and created to fit the specific needs or request of a customer.
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cast metal
Pour liquid metal into the hollow cavity of a mould, which contains the future product's desired shape, place it into a furnace and then cool it and let it solidify.
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apply preliminary treatment to workpieces
Apply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.
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manipulate metal
Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.
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operate precision measuring equipment
Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
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work in metal manufacture teams
Ability to work confidently within a metal manufacturing group with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does coppersmith fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of training is required to become a coppersmith?
- While a formal degree isn't always required, apprenticeships under experienced coppersmiths are the most common route. These apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with theoretical instruction in metallurgy and smithing techniques. Some vocational schools offer programs in metalworking that can provide a foundational skillset.
- Is it common to be self-employed as a coppersmith?
- Yes, while many coppersmiths are employed by manufacturing companies or construction firms, self-employment is also a common work arrangement. Self-employed coppersmiths often specialize in custom work, restoration projects, or artistic creations.
- What are the key skills needed to succeed as a coppersmith?
- Beyond manual dexterity and an understanding of metal properties, successful coppersmiths possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical drawings. Creativity and artistic flair are also valuable, particularly for those specializing in decorative or artistic pieces.
- Coppersmith — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 19 of the 20 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia and 15 more. Austria has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Coppersmith — what does it pay in the United States?
- $60,850 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $28,340 to $98,550. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
- Coppersmith — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 5 European countries: Iceland, Czechia, Croatia, Liechtenstein and 1 more. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 3. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.