What Do Etcher or Engraver Do?
Etcher or Engraver Example 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
- Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.
- Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.
- Carve designs and letters onto metal for transfer to other surfaces.
- Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.
- Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
- Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.
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Things an Etcher or Engraver Should Know How to Do
Etchers and Engravers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Etcher or Engraver
- Glass Calibrator
- Textile Engraver
- Hand Etcher
- Plate Maker
- Show Card Letterer
Are There Job Opportunities for Etchers and Engravers?
There were about 10,600 jobs for Etcher or Engraver in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Etcher or Engraver. There will be an estimated 1,300 positions for Etcher or Engraver per 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
The average yearly salary of an Etcher or Engraver ranges between $20,520 and $51,720.

Etchers and Engravers who work in Oregon, Nebraska, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Etchers and Engravers make in different U.S. states?
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 kind of Etcher or Engraver requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Etchers and Engravers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Etchers and Engravers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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
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