Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Engraver
What engravers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an engraver?
Proof a plaque order. From there, the day usually includes set up designs, run laser engravers, and run rotary engravers. Full time, busy around graduations and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an engraver working full time.
- Proof a plaque order.
- Set up a laser job.
- Engrave trophies.
- Hand-engrave a ring.
- Sandblast glass.
- Clean and pack orders.
- Help a walk-in customer.
Where engravers work
Engravers work in shops, trophy stores and factories.
Hours and schedule
Full time, busy around graduations and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up designs
- Run laser engravers
- Run rotary engravers
- Hand engrave
- Etch glass
- Check spelling
- Finish pieces
Tools you’ll use every day
- Laser engravers
- Rotary engravers
- Gravers
- Sandblasters
- CorelDRAW
- Fixtures
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative personalization
- Can open a shop
- Steady gift demand
- Short training
What’s hard
- Slight decline
- Seasonal rushes
- Detail pressure
- Fumes from lasers
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like detail work
- I’m good with design software
- I have steady hands
- I like personalized gifts
- I might open a shop
- I want short training
Not sure? Take the free Engraver fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Never leave lasers running unattended
- Ventilate fumes
- Wear eye protection
- Know which materials are unsafe to laser