Etchers and Engravers
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Common Job Titles
- Chemical Engraver
- Engraver
- Etcher
- Photo Engraver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate engraving and etching machinery including pantograph, rotary, and laser engraving systems following production specifications while maintaining precision and quality standards.Proficient
- Hands-onManipulate hand engraving tools such as gravers, chisels, and burnishing tools on metal, wood, and rubber materials with detail-oriented precision using magnification equipment.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess finished engravings and etchings for quality compliance using inspection criteria, magnification tools, and measurement devices.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate multi-step etching processes including masking, chemical application, and curing while monitoring process variables and timing for consistent results.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze design specifications and material properties to determine appropriate engraving techniques, tool selection, and processing parameters.Developing
- Hands-onExecute machine maintenance and repair procedures on engraving equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize production downtime.Developing
- KnowledgeApply CAD/CAM engraving software and design programs to prepare digital artwork for mechanical and laser engraving production.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret customer specifications and design requirements to translate creative concepts into executable engraving and etching processes.Developing
- MindsetEngage with clients and team members regarding project specifications and timelines to ensure customer satisfaction and efficient workflow coordination.Developing
- KnowledgeApply creative problem-solving to overcome material limitations and design challenges adapting techniques for diverse substrates including metals, plastics, wood, and rubber.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Etchers and Engravers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
8,390
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $29,530. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,650. 50th percentile: U.S. $40,450. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $60,430. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $29,530 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $60,430 |
| Workers on average earn | $43,280 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Design3.0/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft Windows
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Delcam ArtCAM Express
- Gravograph GravoStyle
- Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Applicator brushes
- Automatic feeding eyelet machines
- Bench grinders
- Bench vises
- Benchtop drill presses
- Binocular benchtop microscopes
- Burnishing tools