Etchers and Engravers

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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

$29,120
Starting Salary (2023)
$40,040
Median Salary (2023)
-0.2%
Projected Job Growth
8,140
Employment (2022)

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.

More Info

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