Engraver

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-0.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Engraver?

An Engraver is a skilled artisan who etches designs, lettering, or other markings onto various surfaces, such as metal, glass, or wood, often for artistic, decorative, or identification purposes. This profession requires precision, artistic ability, and technical knowledge of engraving tools and techniques.

Sample job titles:

Chemical Engraver, Engraver, Etcher, Photo Engraver

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Engraver.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Engraver earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Engraver.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$33K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $26K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Engraver do?

Work environment

Engravers typically work in workshops, studios, or manufacturing settings. The environment can be detail-oriented and may require sitting or standing for long periods. It often involves working with sharp tools and potentially hazardous materials, necessitating safety precautions.

Quick task list

Designs and plans engraving layouts.
Operates manual or computer-aided engraving tools.
Inspects and maintains engraving equipment.
Polishes and finishes engraved items.
Consults with clients on custom engraving requests.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Metal Engraving: Specializing in engraving on metal surfaces, often for jewelry, trophies, or decorative items.
Wood Engraving: Focusing on artistic engraving on wood surfaces, typically for art pieces or custom furniture.
Glass Engraving: Engraving on glassware and glass art pieces, often using etching or sandblasting techniques.
Stone Engraving: Working with stone materials for monuments, memorials, or decorative engraving.
Commercial Engraving: Specializing in engraving for industrial or commercial purposes, such as signage, branding, and serial numbers.

Description

Engraving is both an art and a craft that requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. Engravers must understand the properties of different materials and choose appropriate engraving methods. Metal engravers, for instance, often work on fine, detailed pieces like jewelry or silverware, requiring precision and artistic flair. Wood and stone engravers, on the other hand, may work on larger pieces, combining artistic skill with an understanding of the material's grain and texture.

Modern engraving also involves technology. Many engravers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create intricate designs and operate computerized engraving equipment. This technological aspect requires engravers to be adept at both traditional hand engraving techniques and modern digital methods.

The profession demands patience and concentration, as many engraving projects are intricate and time-consuming. Engravers often work on custom projects, requiring good communication skills to understand and execute clients' visions effectively. They must also maintain and care for their tools and equipment, ensuring precision in their work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative fulfillment of designing and executing intricate works.
The pride in crafting lasting, tangible art pieces.
The satisfaction of mastering a traditional skill and adapting it to modern applications.

You might make a good Engraver if you are...

Artistically inclined with a passion for creating detailed work.
Patient and meticulous, with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
Comfortable working both independently on projects and collaboratively with clients.
Interested in learning and mastering both traditional and modern engraving techniques.
Keen on working with a variety of materials and tools.

Pros:

Opportunity for artistic expression and creativity.
Versatility in working with various materials and techniques.
Potential to start your own business or work on freelance projects.

Cons:

Can be physically demanding and require long hours of focus.
Potentially limited job opportunities in certain regions.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with new techniques and technologies.

How to become an Engraver

Typical education

While formal education beyond high school is not always required, many engravers have some post-secondary training in art or a related field. Apprenticeships or vocational training programs in engraving provide valuable hands-on experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design classes to develop creative skills.
Shop or vocational classes for hands-on experience with tools.
Computer classes, particularly in CAD software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in art clubs or workshops.
Volunteering for community projects that involve crafting or design.
Pursuing hobbies related to fine arts or craftsmanship.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training or apprenticeships in engraving.
Workshops or classes in specific types of engraving.
Continuing education in advanced engraving techniques or digital design.

More resources

The Engravers Journal - Provides resources and information for professional engravers.
American Society of Metals (ASM) International - Offers materials science resources useful for metal engravers.
National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) - Resources for commercial engravers and those in the printing industry.
The Guild of Glass Engravers - A resource for those interested in glass engraving.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.