Etchers and engravers
SOC Code: 51-9194Also known as:
Acid Etch Operator, Award Machine Operator, Block Engraver, Bowling Ball Engraver, Chemical Engraver
Median Annual Salary
$40,450
-0.7% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Etchers and engravers Do
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
💰 Salary
$40,450
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,600
Projected Employment (2034)
8,600
Related Careers
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
$54,540 •
-24.4% growth
Tool and die makers
$63,180 •
-10.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Etchers and engravers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a etchers and engravers:
Graphic Communications, Other
157 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Etchers and engravers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become etchers and engravers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpena Community College | Alpena, MI | 1 | B |
| 2 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Bowling Green, OH | 33 | C+ |
| 3 | Middlesex College | Edison, NJ | 31 | C+ |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | 12 | C+ |
| 5 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | 1 | C+ |
| 6 | H Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery, AL | 35 | C |
| 7 | Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor, MI | 26 | C |
| 8 | Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu, HI | 12 | C |
| 9 | Bishop State Community College | Mobile, AL | 3 | C |
| 10 | Bowling Green State University-Firelands | Huron, OH | 3 | D |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do etchers and engravers make?
The median annual salary for etchers and engravers is $40,450.
What education do etchers and engravers need?
Most etchers and engravers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Graphic Communications, Other.
Is becoming etchers and engravers a good career choice?
Etchers and engravers is projected to see -0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for etchers and engravers?
Top colleges for aspiring etchers and engravers include
Alpena Community College, Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, Middlesex College, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Northcentral Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to etchers and engravers?
Etchers and engravers may also be known as: Acid Etch Operator, Award Machine Operator, Block Engraver, Bowling Ball Engraver, Chemical Engraver, Cold Etch Operator, Decorative Engraver, Die Cutter, Dynamic Etching Processor, Electronic Engraver, Embosser, Engraver, Engraving Equipment Operator, Engraving Finisher, Engraving Patternmaker, Engraving Plate Maker, Engrosser, Enhanced Environmental Operator, Equipment Operator, Etched Circuit Processor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.