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The differences between laser operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a laser operator has an average salary of $34,813, which is higher than the $34,520 average annual salary of a line operator.
The top three skills for a laser operator include laser cutting, calipers and laser machine. The most important skills for a line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.
| Laser Operator | Line Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,813 | $34,520 |
| Hourly rate | $16.74 | $16.60 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 56,479 | 137,127 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
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.
A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.
Laser operators and line operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laser Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,813 | $34,520 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oregon City, OR | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Kloeckner Metals | BD |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a laser operator and a line operator in terms of educational background:
| Laser Operator | Line Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between laser operators' and line operators' demographics:
| Laser Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |