Jeweler
Make, repair and set stones in jewelry.
- $52,540
- 1–3 years of training
Arts, Media & Design career
Engraver
Also called: Laser Engraver · Hand Engraver · Trophy Engraver · Etcher
What engravers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an engraver do?
Etchers and engravers engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber or other materials for identification or decorative purposes. The median pay is $43,310 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -0.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$43,310$20.82/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.7%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs8,900Employment, 2025
What engravers do
Engravers personalize objects. They engrave trophies, plaques, jewelry, signs and gifts with laser and rotary engravers, hand-engrave fine work, and etch glass and metal.
A high school diploma and moderate training are typical. BLS projects slight decline.
Typical duties
- Set up designs
- Run laser engravers
- Run rotary engravers
- Hand engrave
- Etch glass
- Check spelling
- Finish pieces
Work environment and schedule
Engravers work in shops, trophy stores and factories.
Schedule: Full time, busy around graduations and holidays.
A day in the life
- Proof a plaque order.
- Set up a laser job.
- Engrave trophies.
- Hand-engrave a ring.
See a full day in the life of an engraver →
Engraver salary
Half of engravers earned more than $43,310 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $32,210 for the lowest 10% to $63,360 for the top 10%.
Full engraver pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an engraver
- Finish high school
- Learn design software
- Get hired at a shop
- Learn machines
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an engraver →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Laser engraving
- Rotary engraving
- Hand engraving
- Design software
- Material knowledge
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Steady hands
- Customer service
- Patience
All engraver skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative personalization
- Can open a shop
- Steady gift demand
- Short training
Cons
- Slight decline
- Seasonal rushes
- Detail pressure
- Fumes from lasers
Certifications and licenses
- Laser safety training: Required.
- Hand engraving course: Helpful.
- CorelDRAW training: Helpful.
- Business license: If self-employed.
Career path
- Engraving Operator: Entry.
- Engraver: Engrave.
- Hand Engraver: Fine work.
- Shop Owner: Business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Engraver training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as proof an engraving order and dial in laser settings, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Woodworking Machine Operator
Run saws, routers and sanders that make furniture, cabinets and wood products.
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Craft Artist
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Compare: Engraver vs. Jeweler · Engraver vs. Graphic Designer · Engraver vs. Woodworking Machine Operator · Engraver vs. Craft Artist
Engraver FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Can I start my own business?
Many engravers do.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects slight decline.
How much does an engraver make?
The median annual wage for engravers was $43,310 ($20.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,210 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,360.
How long does it take to become an engraver?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an engraver?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9194 (Etchers and engravers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Etchers and engravers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.