Laser engraver vs cut-out machine operator

The differences between laser engravers and cut-out machine 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 laser engraver and a cut-out machine operator. Additionally, a laser engraver has an average salary of $36,398, which is higher than the $35,298 average annual salary of a cut-out machine operator.

The top three skills for a laser engraver include engraving, corel draw and laser engravers. The most important skills for a cut-out machine operator are CNC, quality checks, and hand tools.

Laser engraver vs cut-out machine operator overview

	Laser Engraver	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$36,398	$35,298
Hourly rate	$17.50	$16.97
Growth rate	-8%	-8%
Number of jobs	506	59,713
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	44	43
Years of experience	2	2

Laser engraver vs cut-out machine operator salary

Laser engravers and cut-out machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laser Engraver	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Average salary	$36,398	$35,298
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	-	Reading, PA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Olympic Steel
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between laser engraver and cut-out machine operator education

There are a few differences between a laser engraver and a cut-out machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Laser Engraver	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Business
Most common college	-	-

Laser engraver vs cut-out machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between laser engravers' and cut-out machine operators' demographics:

	Laser Engraver	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%	Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 6.2% White, 75.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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	20%	6%

Differences between laser engraver and cut-out machine operator duties and responsibilities

Laser engraver example responsibilities.

Develop graphic templates necessary for laser engraving customer items.
Design and implement engraving work including aircraft parts and other industrial applications.
Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specify concentration.
Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specify concentration.

Cut-out machine operator example responsibilities.

Attach specialty jams to windows.
Work on inventory team used RF gun and cycle counts.
Perform calibration checks on all measuring devices such as measuring tapes etc.
Perform other personnel functions as needed or assign to include labeling, etc.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Operate and set up vertical ba nd see, drill, and use cutting torches.

Laser engraver vs cut-out machine operator skills

Common laser engraver skills

Engraving, 34%
Corel Draw, 20%
Laser Engravers, 12%
Etching, 9%
Graphic Design, 7%
Quality Standards, 5%

Common cut-out machine operator skills

CNC, 21%
Quality Checks, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Calipers, 8%
Laser Cutting, 8%
CAD, 7%

Laser Engraver vs. similar jobs

Laser Engraver related careers

Laser Engraver related jobs

What similar roles do

Laser Operator responsibilities

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Laser Engraver
Laser Engraver vs Cut-Out Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs