Etchers and Engravers

SOC Code: 51-9194

Etchers and Engraverss inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 83.2/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Reading Comprehension, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring.

AI-Proof Score: 83.2Very High
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Median Salary

$40,450

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Job Growth

-0.7%

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Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

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Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

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Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Operation and Control
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Active Listening

Common 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation