Occupation · SOC 51-9194
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.
Median wage
$40,450
$29,530–$60,430
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
8,390
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
15 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringMonitoringSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessTroubleshootingEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationActive LearningWritingService OrientationLearning StrategiesInstructingEquipment SelectionTechnology DesignRepairingPersuasionManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisNegotiationMathematicsOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalDesignAdministration and ManagementMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageAdministrativeChemistryFine ArtsEducation and TrainingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityTelecommunicationsTransportationForeign LanguageEconomics and AccountingPhysicsPsychologyPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyGeographyBuilding and ConstructionBiologyTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryFood Production
Technology & tools
Adobe IllustratorComputer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving softwareCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteDelcam ArtCAM ExpressGravograph GravoStyleMicrosoft WindowsWestern Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT
Representative tasks
Getting InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDeveloping and Building TeamsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming Administrative Activities
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic etching and engraving tools — identify and handle under direct supervision on a production shop floor.Sketches and diagrams — review and interpret basic design elements with guidance before beginning a workpiece.Calibrated magnifying lenses and gauges — use under supervision to inspect etched surfaces for visible defects.Cleaning and polishing supplies — apply to engraved areas following step-by-step instructions provided by a lead engraver.Safety protocols for chemical etchants — follow precisely in a controlled production environment with supervisor oversight.Blueprints and sample photographs — examine alongside a trainer to understand how a design maps onto a workpiece.Simple engraving patterns — reproduce on practice materials under close direction in a vocational training setting.Hand control and finger steadiness — practice on scrap workpieces to build precision before working on production items.Depth gauges and microscopes — operate at a basic level to confirm etch depth meets specified measurements under guidance.Office suite software — use to open and print job orders and design specifications in a shop office setting.
developing
Etching depth and uniformity — monitor across a batch of workpieces using calibrated gauges with minimal supervisor input.Customer sketches and blueprints — read and translate into engraving plans independently for routine production jobs.Chemical etching solutions — control concentration and exposure time to achieve consistent results on standard materials.Engraved surfaces — clean and polish to finished quality standards, selecting appropriate compounds for each material type.CAM software — operate to generate tool paths for repeat engraving jobs in a computer-aided production environment.Quality defects such as uneven lines or shallow cuts — identify through visual inspection and magnification during routine checks.Production schedules — follow and pace workload to meet output targets in a mid-volume engraving shop.Arm-hand steadiness — apply during freehand engraving of moderately complex designs on metal or glass workpieces.Verbal and written job instructions — listen and respond to actively, clarifying specifications with supervisors or customers as needed.Graphics imaging software — use to adapt provided digital designs to fit workpiece dimensions before production begins.
proficient
Complex multi-element designs — etch or engrave autonomously from blueprints, photographs, and CAD files with full accuracy.Calibrated microscopes and precision gauges — use independently to verify etch depth, uniformity, and surface integrity across all job types.Non-routine defects in etched workpieces — diagnose root causes and implement corrective adjustments without supervisory direction.CAD and CAM systems — operate to customize tool paths and settings for specialty materials and non-standard design geometries.Full engraving workflow — manage from design review through final polish, ensuring all quality standards are met on diverse orders.Customer specifications and sample references — analyze critically to determine the optimal technique and tooling for each unique job.Chemical and mechanical etching methods — select and apply based on material properties, design complexity, and required finish quality.Selective attention during extended production runs — maintain to catch subtle variation in line weight, depth, or texture across large batches.Operating system software and production records — maintain accurately to track job status, tool wear, and material consumption.Finishing and polishing techniques — execute at expert level to enhance clarity and aesthetic quality of engraved details on finished pieces.
advanced
Shop-wide quality standards for etching and engraving — establish and enforce across all production staff and workstations.New engravers and trainees — mentor in tool use, design interpretation, and inspection techniques within a structured on-the-job program.Production workflows and tooling configurations — redesign to improve throughput, reduce defects, and lower material waste at an organizational level.CAD/CAM technology upgrades — evaluate, recommend, and lead implementation of new software and equipment for the engraving operation.Complex custom orders from commercial clients — oversee end-to-end, serving as the primary technical authority and client liaison.Inspection and quality control protocols — author and document for use as standard operating procedures across the production department.Supplier relationships for etchants, tooling, and raw materials — manage to ensure consistent quality and cost-effective procurement.Safety compliance for chemical handling and equipment operation — lead audits and corrective action plans to maintain regulatory standards.Production performance metrics — analyze and present to shop management, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement initiatives.Cross-functional collaboration with design, sales, and operations teams — lead to align engraving capabilities with organizational production goals.
Also known as
96 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Acid Etch OperatorAward Machine OperatorBlock EngraverBowling Ball EngraverChemical EngraverCold Etch OperatorDecorative EngraverDie CutterDynamic Etching ProcessorElectronic EngraverEmbosserEngraverEngraving Equipment OperatorEngraving FinisherEngraving PatternmakerEngraving Plate MakerEngrosserEnhanced Environmental OperatorEquipment OperatorEtched Circuit ProcessorEtcherEtching OperatorFinishing TechnicianGlass CalibratorGlass DecoratorGlass EngraverGlass EtcherGlass Products EngraverHand EngraverHand EtcherHand Roller EngraverHand Screen PrinterHard Metal Hand EngraverHard Metals Hand EngraverInternal CarverJewelry EngraverJoggerJogger OperatorLaser EngraverLaser Etch Technician