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 ComprehensionMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisSpeakingCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalDesign
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareComputer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM systemComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
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.Prepare workpieces for etching or engraving by cutting, sanding, cleaning, polishing, or treating them with wax, acid resist, lime, etching powder, or light-sensitive enamel.Engrave and print patterns, designs, etchings, trademarks, or lettering onto flat or curved surfaces of a wide variety of metal, glass, plastic, or paper items, using hand tools or hand-held power tools.Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.Guide stylus over template, causing cutting tool to duplicate design or letters on workpiece.Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.Remove completed workpieces and place them in trays.Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.Sketch, trace, or scribe layout lines and designs on workpieces, plates, dies, or rollers, using compasses, scribers, gravers, or pencils.Fill etched characters with opaque paste to improve readability.Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.
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
120 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Hand EtcherJogger OperatorMetal EngraverEngraver, Machine IIRetoucherGlass CalibratorJewelry EngraverSketch Maker IIGlass DecoratorSiderographistBlock EngraverLeaf StamperRoller EngraverPrinting and Publishing Sketch MakerLens EngraverGlass EtcherEngraver, Pantograph IChemical EngraverEngraving Plate MakerDie CutterMachinery Repairman Apprentice (Navy 003156)Silverware EtcherBowling Ball EngraverFinishing TechnicianEngraver, PictureWax EngraverLinerEtched-Circuit ProcessorLettererSketch MakerHard Metal Hand EngraverInternal CarverEngraving FinisherRoller Engraver, HandLaser Etch TechnicianRework OperatorEngraver, RubberSilk Screen ProcessorPhoto EngraverEtcher