Prevailing Wage for Etchers and Engravers
The prevailing wage for Etchers and Engravers (SOC 51-9194) is set by DOL across four experience levels, from entry-level Acid Etch Operator positions through fully competent Electronic Engraver roles. Whether your offer is for an Engraver, a Chemical Engraver, or an Award Machine Operator, the wage floor varies significantly by city and must be met for H-1B, E-3, and green card sponsorship.
See all jobs for Etchers and EngraversLook up your work address
Entry-level workers with limited experience performing routine etching or engraving tasks under close supervision. Typically no specialized background required beyond basic familiarity with materials or equipment. DOL assigns Level 1 when the role involves simple, repetitive work with minimal independent judgment.
Workers with moderate experience handling a range of etching or engraving assignments with some independence. Level 2 is the most common filing level for Etchers and Engravers, reflecting roles that require established technique but not supervisory responsibility or advanced specialization.
Experienced workers who apply specialized knowledge across varied materials or processes, operate with significant autonomy, and may guide junior staff informally. DOL expects demonstrated mastery of the occupation and the ability to handle non-routine assignments without close direction.
Fully competent professionals at the top of the occupation, typically setting standards, leading production teams, or overseeing complex engraving or etching programs. DOL reserves Level 4 for workers whose expertise defines best practices within their shop or facility.
Prevailing Wage for Etchers and Engravers by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
See all jobs for Etchers and Engravers
See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for Etchers and Engravers and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
Search visa-sponsored jobsPrevailing Wage Guide for Etchers and Engravers
Verify your title maps to SOC 51-9194
Job postings for pantograph engravers, silk screen etchers, or circuit etcher-processors sometimes get classified under a production or printing SOC instead of 51-9194, which sets a different wage floor. Confirm your LCA cites Etchers and Engravers before accepting an offer.
Watch how production bonuses count toward the floor
Piece-rate bonuses and output-based incentives common in engraving shops may not count toward the prevailing wage requirement. DOL requires the base wage alone to meet the floor; variable production pay does not make up a shortfall.
Compare metro floors before committing to a worksite
The wage floor for the same Etchers and Engravers level can differ by over twenty thousand dollars annually between Seattle and Houston. Your LCA must cite the actual worksite city, so a lower-paying metro means a lower floor, not necessarily a better offer relative to local cost of living.
Find employers who have sponsored Etchers and Engravers
Migrate Mate shows which employers have actual H-1B or green card sponsorship history for this occupation, so you can filter to companies that have filed for engravers or etchers before rather than approaching employers who have never navigated the LCA process for this role.
Jobs for Etchers and Engravers are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Jobs for Etchers and EngraversPrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 51-9194.00 alongside Etchers and Engravers, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
Acid Etch Operator Prevailing Wage
Acid Etch Operator Prevailing Wage
Acid Etch Operator positions fall under SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Award Machine Operator Prevailing Wage
Award Machine Operator Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Award Machine Operator for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Chemical Engraver Prevailing Wage
Chemical Engraver Prevailing Wage
Chemical Engraver is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Electronic Engraver Prevailing Wage
Electronic Engraver Prevailing Wage
Electronic Engraver positions fall under SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Engraver Prevailing Wage
Engraver Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Engraver for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Etcher Prevailing Wage
Etcher Prevailing Wage
Etcher is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Laser Engraver Prevailing Wage
Laser Engraver Prevailing Wage
Laser Engraver positions fall under SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Photo Engraver Prevailing Wage
Photo Engraver Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Photo Engraver for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Screen Making Technician Prevailing Wage
Screen Making Technician Prevailing Wage
Screen Making Technician is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Wet Process Technician Prevailing Wage
Wet Process Technician Prevailing Wage
Wet Process Technician positions fall under SOC 51-9194.00 (Etchers and Engravers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Etchers and Engravers?
DOL uses Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to establish four wage levels for SOC 51-9194 in each metro area. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification publishes these figures, and employers must certify on the LCA that the offered wage meets or exceeds the applicable level for the worksite location.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which one applies to my offer?
Level 1 covers entry positions with close supervision and routine tasks. Level 2 reflects qualified workers with established technique and moderate independence. Level 3 applies to experienced workers handling complex or varied assignments autonomously. Level 4 is reserved for fully competent workers in senior or lead roles. The level on the LCA should match the actual duties and supervision structure described in the job offer, not just the title.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same Etchers and Engravers role vary so much by city?
DOL calculates wages from regional Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, so each metro area reflects local labor market conditions. The LCA rule requires the employer to use the wage for the actual worksite, not company headquarters. Dense manufacturing and precision-industry markets like Seattle produce higher surveyed wages than metros with thinner engraver employment, explaining the wide spread between top- and bottom-paying areas.
What happens if my job offer is below the prevailing wage for a sponsored position?
USCIS will not approve an H-1B or green card petition if the LCA shows an offered wage below the DOL prevailing wage for the applicable level and worksite. The employer must either refile at the correct wage or renegotiate the offer before the petition can proceed. Sponsors who knowingly underpay face debarment from future DOL labor certification programs.
How do I find and verify the Etchers and Engravers prevailing wage for a specific U.S. location?
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up current prevailing wages for SOC 51-9194 by metro area and wage level. Enter the occupation code and the worksite metropolitan statistical area to see the exact floor your employer must meet on the LCA. You can also review O*NET for occupation details that help confirm the correct SOC classification before checking the wage figures.
See which employers are hiring and sponsoring visas for Etchers and Engravers right now.
Search Jobs for Etchers and Engravers