Since the addon wrath of the lich king the professions in World of Warcraft are quite well balanced. In past times players had often switched to the most powerful professions for their class or to the professions that was needed the most in their guild. Even though there are still slight differences when it comes to strongest effect in the game, the bonuses from professions are now almost identical.

Jewelcrafter get unique epic gems. Up to three of those can be socketed into their gear, which is a big advantage since it bestows much higher stats on them than normal gems would. The blacksmith can add sockets to bracers and gloves. With the right combination of gems in those sockets he can also achieve higher bonuses. Enchanters can still enchant rings with bonuses, as they already could in burning crusade. Leather workers are able to add special cushioning to their bracers which supersedes normal enchantments and is much cheaper. Scribes can learn special shoulder enchantments from their trainers which are not only more powerful but also make the annoying farming for reputation at the Sons of Hodir in the Stormpeaks obsolete. Alchemists receive the talent "mixology" which makes potions and elixirs last longer and more powerful.

Only the tailor, which is a very popular profession with the mages, has not really received any improvements. Although tailors can add special embroideries to their cloaks, those are only marginally more powerful than normal enchantments. Engineers get some funny gimmicks for their belts and gloves, which supersede, however, other enchantments and are also not that effective.