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Career Profile

Etchers and Engravers

What they do:

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

Also Called:

Acid Etch Operator, Award Machine Operator, Chemical Engraver, Electronic Engraver, Engraver, Etcher, Laser Engraver, Photo Engraver, Screen Making Technician, Wet Process Technician, Acid Etch Operator, Award Machine Operator, Chemical Engraver, Electronic Engraver, Engraver, Etcher, Laser Engraver, Photo Engraver, Screen Making Technician, Wet Process Technician

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$32,219
Starting Salary (2025)
$43,306
Median Salary (2025)
-0.7%
Projected Job Growth
330
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

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.
Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.
Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Independence
Dependability
Achievement/Effort
Persistence
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Quality Control Analysis

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 54%
  • Less than high school 33%
  • Associate's degree 13%
  • Post-secondary certificate 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.