Control operator vs laser operator

The differences between control 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 a control operator and a laser operator. Additionally, a control operator has an average salary of $42,885, which is higher than the $34,813 average annual salary of a laser operator.

The top three skills for a control operator include customer service, safety procedures and payroll. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.

Control operator vs laser operator overview

	Control Operator	Laser Operator
Yearly salary	$42,885	$34,813
Hourly rate	$20.62	$16.74
Growth rate	-8%	-8%
Number of jobs	64,435	56,479
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a control operator do?

The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports, address and resolve issues, and implement solutions. Furthermore, as a control operator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with fellow employees, coordinating every step of the way for a safe and efficient workflow.

What does a laser operator do?

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.

Control operator vs laser operator salary

Control operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Control Operator	Laser Operator
Average salary	$42,885	$34,813
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $55,000	Between $27,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	Hoffman Estates, IL	Oregon City, OR
Highest paying state	Illinois	Oregon
Best paying company	Battelle	Kloeckner Metals
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between control operator and laser operator education

There are a few differences between a control operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:

	Control Operator	Laser Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Control operator vs laser operator demographics

Here are the differences between control operators' and laser operators' demographics:

	Control Operator	Laser Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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%

Differences between control operator and laser operator duties and responsibilities

Control operator example responsibilities.

Manage day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks, producing reports as needed.
Manage all financial activities including financial reporting, general accounting, budgeting, cost accounting, A/R, A/P.
Manage, analyze, and prepare period- and year-end documentation, ensuring generally accept accounting principles (GAAP) adherence.
Manage logistics to increase shipping efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Manage business unit income statements, product-line contribution margin reporting and absorption analysis.
Coordinate and manage annual physical inventory as well as inventory valuation in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

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Laser operator example responsibilities.

Calculate requirements, using basic math, geometry.
Follow and comply to GMP, FDA, and ISO regulations
Uphold all ISO and OSHA standards applicable to the responsibilities list above.
Complete SPC charts to track tool capability and hold tight tolerances on small parts.
Used micrometers and protractors to check dimension and angle of part during all job set ups and quality control checks.
Perform quality control inspection using calipers/gauges/micrometers and digital comparators.

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Control operator vs laser operator skills

Common control operator skills

Customer Service, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
CPA, 4%
Logistics, 4%

Common laser operator skills

Laser Cutting, 13%
Calipers, 8%
Laser Machine, 7%
Math, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
CNC Laser, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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