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The differences between laser operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laser operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, which is higher than the $34,813 average annual salary of a laser operator.
The top three skills for a laser operator include laser cutting, calipers and laser machine. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Laser Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,813 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $16.74 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 56,479 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Laser operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laser Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,813 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oregon City, OR | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Kloeckner Metals | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a laser operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Laser Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between laser operators' and operators' demographics:
| Laser Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |