How to become an etchers and engraver

Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What etchers and engravers do

• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is etchers and engraver a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 15% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Vermont $65,380
• Rhode Island $63,250
• New Jersey $58,000
• Maryland $53,680
• Kansas $52,000

Etchers and Engravers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.