Career Overview
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Also Known As
- Chemical Engraver
- Engraver
- Etcher
- Photo Engraver
Alternate Job Titles
- Acid Etch Operator
- Award Machine Operator
- Block Engraver
- Bowling Ball Engraver
- Chemical Engraver
- Cold Etch Operator
- Decorative Engraver
- Die Cutter
- Dynamic Etching Processor
- Electronic Engraver
- Embosser
- Engraver
- Engraving Equipment Operator
- Engraving Finisher
- Engraving Patternmaker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
- Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
- Clean and polish engraved areas.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Selective Attention
- Visualization
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Applicator brushes
- Automatic feeding eyelet machines
- Bench grinders
- Bench vises
- Benchtop drill presses
- Binocular benchtop microscopes
- Burnishing tools
- Chasing hammers
- Contact printers
- Curing ovens
- Drafting compasses
- Engraving lathes
- Flat cold chisels
- Gravers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Time Pressure
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,530 |
| Median | $40,450 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $60,430 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 8,390
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $40,860
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $54,540
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,690
Tool and Die Makers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $63,180
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $45,690
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.