SOC 51-9194
Etchers and Engravers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ64/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ8,390
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$40K
$30K โ $60K
Projected Growth
๐-0.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค53/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Etchers and Engravers face a risk score of 64/100 โ 20 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $40K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 64/100, Etchers and Engravers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like smart factory scheduling and production optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 8,390 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Etchers and Engravers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Operating system software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
Mechanical
Design
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 53% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 63% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 77% |