Etchers and Engravers

People in this career engrave or etch various materials, which can include circuit boards, wood, rubber, and metal. On a typical day, workers set up and control engraving machines, monitor production processes, and handle materials to ensure precise designs. The role requires gathering information, identifying objects, and organizing daily tasks. Workers must also maintain their mechanical equipment and judge the quality of finished products.

Success in this field relies on realistic interests, meaning a preference for hands-on, practical work. Key skills include operation monitoring, quality control analysis, and critical thinking. Workers need a strong attention to detail, dependability, and cautiousness. They also draw on knowledge of production processes, mechanical systems, design principles, and basic mathematics to complete their engraving tasks accurately.

To enter this career, individuals typically need a high school diploma. The occupation is classified as requiring some preparation, which means workers usually benefit from on-the-job training or previous experience to learn the specific machinery and techniques used in their shop.

While formal higher education is not standard, students interested in this field can pursue related college majors such as Graphic Communications. This background can help build foundational knowledge in design and production processes.

In 2025, the median annual pay for etchers and engravers was $43,310. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $32,210 and the highest 10% earning more than $63,360.

There are 7,750 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to experience little or no change, with a slight decrease of -0.7%. Despite this flat growth, about 800 job openings are projected to become available each year.