BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasEtchers and Engravers

O*NET · 51-9194.00

Etchers and Engravers

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 · Block Engraver · Bowling Ball Engraver · Chemical Engraver · Cold Etch Operator · Decorative Engraver · Die Cutter
88 more

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 · Etcher · Etching Operator · Finishing Technician · Glass Calibrator · Glass Decorator · Glass Engraver · Glass Etcher · Glass Products Engraver · Hand Engraver · Hand Etcher · Hand Roller Engraver · Hand Screen Printer · Hard Metal Hand Engraver · Hard Metals Hand Engraver · Internal Carver · Jewelry Engraver · Jogger · Jogger Operator · Laser Engraver · Laser Etch Technician · Laser Etching Technician · Laser Operator · Leaf Stamper · Lens Engraver · Letterer · Liner · Machine Engraver · Machine Precision Engraver · Machine Precision Etcher · Metal Engraver · Mold Engraver · Mold Stamper · Music Engraver · Optical Glass Etcher · Pantograph Engraver · Photo Engraver · Picture Engraver · Plate Cutter · Plate Maker · Printing and Publishing Block Engraver · Printing and Publishing Picture Engraver · Printing and Publishing Siderographer · Printing and Publishing Sketch Maker · Processor · Proof Plate Maker · Re-Etcher · Retoucher · Rework Operator · Roller Engraver · Roller Mechanic · Roller Repairer · Rotary Engraver · Rubber Engraver · Screen Making Technician · Seals Engraver · Show Card Letterer · Show Card Writer · Siderographer · Siderographist · Silk Screen Etcher · Silk Screen Processor · Silkscreen Printer · Silversmith · Silverware Etcher · Sketch Maker · Soft Metal Hand Engraver · Soft Metals Hand Engraver · Steel Die Engraver · Steel Engraver · Stone Engraver · Textile Engraver · Wax Engraver · Wet Process Technician · Wood Block Artist · Wood Engraver · Zinc Plate Cutter

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RACRealistic · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.52
  • A Artistic3.75
  • C Conventional3.44
  • I Investigative2.45
  • S Social1.38
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma33%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent54%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Monitoringbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Operation and Control3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Speakingbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Maintenance2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Coordination2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Writingbasic2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Technology Design2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Repairing2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.90.9
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

3 core · 23 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.4.6
  2. Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.4.5
  3. Clean and polish engraved areas.4.0
Show the other 23
  1. Engrave and print patterns, designs, etchings, trademarks, or lettering onto flat or curved surfaces of a wide variety of metal, glass, plastic, or paper items, using hand tools or hand-held power tools.4.5
  2. Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.4.5
  3. Prepare workpieces for etching or engraving by cutting, sanding, cleaning, polishing, or treating them with wax, acid resist, lime, etching powder, or light-sensitive enamel.4.5
  4. Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.4.5
  5. Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.4.4
  6. Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.4.4
  7. Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.4.3
  8. Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.4.3
  9. Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.4.3
  10. Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.4.3
  11. Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.4.2
  12. Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.4.2
  13. Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.4.2
  14. Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.4.2
  15. Guide stylus over template, causing cutting tool to duplicate design or letters on workpiece.4.2
  16. Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.4.2
  17. Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.4.1
  18. Remove completed workpieces and place them in trays.4.1
  19. Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.3.9
  20. Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.3.7
  21. Sketch, trace, or scribe layout lines and designs on workpieces, plates, dies, or rollers, using compasses, scribers, gravers, or pencils.3.6
  22. Fill etched characters with opaque paste to improve readability.3.5
  23. Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Customer and Personal Service3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Design3.02.8
  • Mechanical3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics2.82.8
  • Engineering and Technology2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • English Language2.72.7
  • Administrative2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Chemistry2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Education and Training2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Fine Arts2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sales and Marketing2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Communications and Media1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Public Safety and Security1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign Language1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Telecommunications1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Physics1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Psychology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.94.3Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Oral Expression3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Selective Attention3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Fluency of Ideas3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.03.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Far Vision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.6
  • Originality2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Rate Control2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Trunk Strength2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Expression2.62.9
  • Depth Perception2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Reaction Time2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Extent Flexibility2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Static Strength2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Response Orientation2.11.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Speed of Closure2.01.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Spatial Orientation1.60.9
  • Explosive Strength1.50.9
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.8
  • Night Vision1.50.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.50.6
  • Sound Localization1.50.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.12.9
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.42.9
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.42.8
  • Processing Information3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Working with Computers3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.32.9
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.22.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.02.6
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.92.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Telephone Conversations4.0
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable3.7

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (2; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (5)
  • Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving software
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Delcam ArtCAM Express
  • Gravograph GravoStyle
  • Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  2. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
  3. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  4. Tool and Die Makers
  5. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  6. Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
  7. Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
  8. Prepress Technicians and Workers
  9. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.