Etchers and Engravers
Production
Designs go onto metal, wood, rubber, or other workpieces after sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs are studied to decide how to etch, cut, or engrave them. The work can include circuit etching, pantograph engraving, or silk-screen etching, depending on the process in use. Finished pieces are checked for depth, uniformity, and defects with calibrated microscopes, gauges, magnifying lenses, or by touch, then engraved areas are cleaned and polished. Tends to suit people who prefer close visual inspection, translating a drawing onto a surface, and judging small differences in cut or etch.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$43'310
Median Wage Market Position
$43'310
What you might do
- Etch or engrave designs into metal, wood, or rubber
- Study sketches, samples, and blueprints before cutting
- Decide how each design will be etched or engraved
- Check etching depth and evenness with a gauge
- Look for defects under a lens or microscope
- Clean and polish the engraved areas
Skills that matter
- Blueprint reading before a design is cut
- Checking etch depth with gauges
- Cleaning and polishing engraved areas
- Following spoken notes on a design
- Plain talk about finish problems
- Deciding how to place a design
AI & the future of this role
Computer-guided lasers and design software could handle more repetitive patterns and production engraving, while custom work, material feel, and finishing judgment still favor skilled hands. Prospects look mixed as shops automate standard jobs but keep artisans for specialty pieces.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details