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Etchers and Engravers

Also called: Chemical Engraver, Engraver, Etcher, Photo Engraver

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Business

  • customer service

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Cooperation

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Delcam ArtCAM Express
  • Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT

Operating system software

  • Microsoft Windows

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $37,980

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

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