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The differences between assistant operators and laser operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an assistant operator and a laser operator. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $34,813 average annual salary of a laser operator.
The top three skills for an assistant operator include customer service, ladders and safety procedures. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.
| Assistant Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,607 | $34,813 |
| Hourly rate | $18.08 | $16.74 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 88,093 | 56,479 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
A Laser Operator is responsible for operating the machine and devices used for laser purposes. They do the engraving and cutting of the metal or plastic parts of the laser device. They set up and adjust the machine lens to meet the correct specification. They also ensure that there will be no issues before and after operating the laser device by routinely checking the equipment. They also need to monitor and do an inventory of instruments and tools required if there are operations or whenever they are required.
Assistant operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistant Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,607 | $34,813 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Oregon City, OR |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Kloeckner Metals |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between an assistant operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:
| Assistant Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | - |
Here are the differences between assistant operators' and laser operators' demographics:
| Assistant Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |