What You Need to Know About Etcher or Engraver
Etcher or Engraver Job Description Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Daily Life Of an Etcher or Engraver
- Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.
- Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
- Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.
- Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
- Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.
- Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.
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Etcher or Engraver Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Etchers and Engravers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Optical Glass Etcher
- Bowling Ball Engraver
- Engraver
- Laser Etch Technician
- Plate Maker
Is There Job Demand for Etchers and Engravers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 10,600 jobs in the United States for Etcher or Engraver. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Etcher or Engraver. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Etcher or Engraver are Nevada, Arkansas, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, Massachusetts, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Etcher or Engraver Average Salary
Etchers and Engravers make between $20,520 and $51,720 a year.

Etchers and Engravers who work in Oregon, Nebraska, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Etchers and Engravers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $40,650 |
Arizona | $27,610 |
California | $35,000 |
Florida | $24,530 |
Georgia | $28,140 |
Illinois | $30,260 |
Indiana | $38,620 |
Iowa | $32,670 |
Kansas | $25,560 |
Kentucky | $35,060 |
Louisiana | $25,310 |
Maine | $36,160 |
Maryland | $52,060 |
Massachusetts | $39,470 |
Michigan | $38,040 |
Minnesota | $33,780 |
Mississippi | $33,600 |
Missouri | $37,190 |
Montana | $35,100 |
Nebraska | $40,220 |
Nevada | $25,010 |
New Hampshire | $38,070 |
New Jersey | $28,880 |
New York | $47,020 |
North Dakota | $24,490 |
Ohio | $36,580 |
Oklahoma | $30,290 |
Oregon | $39,900 |
Pennsylvania | $33,040 |
Rhode Island | $42,690 |
South Carolina | $32,390 |
Tennessee | $24,900 |
Texas | $32,790 |
Utah | $32,210 |
Virginia | $41,110 |
Washington | $44,950 |
West Virginia | $32,360 |
Wisconsin | $34,950 |
What Tools do Etchers and Engravers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Etchers and Engravers may use on a daily basis:
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Becoming an Etcher or Engraver
What education is needed to be an Etcher or Engraver?

What work experience do I need to become an Etcher or Engraver?

Who Employs Etchers and Engravers?

Below are examples of industries where Etchers and Engravers work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Etcher or Engraver may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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