How to Become an Etchers and Engraver in 2026
Median salary: $40,450 · -0.7% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does an Etchers and Engraver do?
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Etchers and Engraver Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Etchers and Engravers is $40,450. The bottom 10% earn around $29,530 while the top 10% earn over $60,430.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $29,530 |
| Early career (P25) | $35,650 |
| Median | $40,450 |
| Experienced (P75) | $48,510 |
| Top earners (P90) | $60,430 |
Highest-paying metros
Etchers and Engraver salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Vermonttop | $68,030 |
| Rhode Island | $59,690 |
| Washington | $57,520 |
| Maryland | $52,000 |
| New Jersey | $50,530 |
| Illinois | $47,720 |
| Tennessee | $46,040 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,890 |
| Connecticut | $44,860 |
| Minnesota | $44,260 |
| South Dakota | $44,160 |
| Massachusetts | $43,870 |
| New Hampshire | $43,720 |
| California | $42,800 |
| Indiana | $42,790 |
| Michigan | $42,320 |
| Wisconsin | $42,070 |
| Iowa | $41,600 |
| Colorado | $41,140 |
| Florida | $39,870 |
| Montana | $39,520 |
| South Carolina | $39,520 |
| Utah | $39,190 |
| Georgia | $38,860 |
| Oregon | $38,800 |
| New York | $38,750 |
| Alabama | $38,710 |
| Kentucky | $38,710 |
| North Carolina | $38,350 |
| Maine | $38,320 |
| Virginia | $37,820 |
| Oklahoma | $37,180 |
| Ohio | $36,880 |
| Arkansas | $36,680 |
| Idaho | $36,620 |
| Texas | $35,680 |
| Arizona | $35,330 |
| Missouri | $35,180 |
| Nebraska | $34,580 |
| Mississippi | $32,360 |
| Kansas | $24,540 |
How to earn more as an Etchers and Engraver
The salary range for Etchers and Engravers spans $30,900 — from $29,530 at entry level to $60,430 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Maryland at $52,000 — $11,550 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Manufacturing plants often hire with just a high school diploma and provide all training on-site. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification is widely required. Look for manufacturing apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. Community colleges offer manufacturing technology certificates that can accelerate your starting wage.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Manufacturing values reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures — skills transferable from nearly any career. Many plants provide full training and will hire career changers with a high school diploma. If you have experience with machinery, tools, quality processes, or inventory management from any field, you're a strong candidate. Contact local manufacturers directly — job boards often don't reflect the actual openings.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Etchers and Engraver — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Etchers and Engraver role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Etchers and Engraver.
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SOC: 51-9194.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034