How to hire a laser operator

How to hire a laser operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step laser operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a laser operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new laser operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a laser operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a laser operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a laser operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a laser operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents laser operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Laser Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Laser Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$12-21
   Numerical Control Operator	A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations... Show more	$13-24
   Production Operator	A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Laser Cutting
   • Calipers
   • Laser Machine
   • Math
   • Hand Tools
   • CNC Laser
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Safety Rules
   • Basic Math
   • Work Ethic
   • Tape Measure
   • Safety Procedures
   • Machine Operation
   • Quality Checks

   Check all skills

   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.

   More laser operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your laser operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A laser operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a laser operator in Oklahoma may be lower than in Oregon, and an entry-level laser operator usually earns less than a senior-level laser operator. Additionally, a laser operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average laser operator salary

   $16.74hourly

   $34,813 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level laser operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated February 5, 2026

   Average laser operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$43,590	$21
   2	Washington	$40,683	$20
   3	Wisconsin	$37,322	$18
   4	Ohio	$37,025	$18
   5	Indiana	$36,732	$18
   6	Michigan	$36,577	$18
   7	Minnesota	$36,471	$18
   8	Arizona	$36,367	$17
   9	Illinois	$36,139	$17
   10	Connecticut	$36,123	$17
   11	Kansas	$36,049	$17
   12	New Hampshire	$35,955	$17
   13	Colorado	$35,443	$17
   14	Texas	$34,897	$17
   15	South Carolina	$33,364	$16
   16	Nebraska	$33,155	$16
   17	Oklahoma	$33,046	$16
   18	North Carolina	$31,872	$15
   19	Florida	$29,617	$14

   Average laser operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Kloeckner Metals	$41,875	$20.13	5
   2	Complete Prototype Services	$40,792	$19.61
   3	Olympic Steel	$40,503	$19.47	7
   4	Sanmina	$40,457	$19.45	47
   5	Steffes	$40,428	$19.44
   6	Tufts Medical Center	$39,941	$19.20
   7	Twin City Fan Companies	$39,930	$19.20	1
   8	Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co	$38,733	$18.62
   9	Arnold Motor Supply	$38,475	$18.50
   10	Leggett & Platt	$38,319	$18.42	4
   11	Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co	$37,847	$18.20	25
   12	Olympic Companies	$37,675	$18.11	2
   13	SPX	$37,582	$18.07	12
   14	Textron	$37,350	$17.96	10
   15	rms	$37,269	$17.92	3
   16	Barnes Group	$36,618	$17.60	1
   17	Matcor Automotive	$36,479	$17.54
   18	Alamo Group	$36,370	$17.49	17
   19	API Technologies	$36,367	$17.48
   20	Anchor Fabrication	$36,344	$17.47	3

4. Writing a laser operator job description

   A laser operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a laser operator job description:

   Laser operator job description example

   Miller Brother Stafing Solutions is looking for a 2nd shift Laser Operator for a manufacturing company based in Corry Pennsylvania.
   Laser Operator
   Shift: Monday-Friday 2 Shift 3pm-1:30am
   Pay: $13.00 + BOE w/$500.00 Sign on Bonus *
   Benefits: Medical. Life, Vision, Dental
   Work under the direction of the Turret Press Team Leader and be familiar with all operations within this department. Work with other departments on all items to improve tooling applications and operational sequences.
   
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Read blueprints/specifications, drawings, and flat layouts. Set up and run machine with correct tools, NC tapes, templates. Check notches and diameters with calipers to dimensions of flat layout sheet. Cut dies. Deburr edges with grinders, file, or deburring tool. Check parts per router instruction as required by quality check sheet, for broken or dull punches, and replace or sharpen as necessary. Document results as required. Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, templates, or gauges. Submit to QA. In-process QA and document results as instructed.
   ??????? MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: Sharpen tools. Move dies and material by hand truck or lift truck. Interface with support groups. Complete related paperwork (quality check sheets, move tickets, job cards). Clean-up machine and tooling following proper procedures. Clean and organize work area daily. Perform minor maintenance work and PM machine per instructions. Perform any other incidental functions related to the classification and those created by change in methods/procedures, as well as equipment.
   REQUIREMENTS:
   Read, understand, and follow written and oral instructions. Frequent physical function includes walking, sitting, bending, pushing, pulling, grasping, and other unnatural positions. Stand for a minimum of eight hours per day, on a regular basis.
   Observe work and attendance rules and safety practices, including use of safety glasses, ear protection, safety shoes, hand protection, and other protective gear as required.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right laser operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your laser operator job on Zippia to find and recruit laser operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit laser operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new laser operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the laser operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new laser operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a laser operator?