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The differences between laser operators and welder-machine 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 a welder-machine operator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a welder-machine operator has an average salary of $37,171, 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 a welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.
| Laser Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,813 | $37,171 |
| Hourly rate | $16.74 | $17.87 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,479 | 68,316 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Laser operators and welder-machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laser Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,813 | $37,171 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oregon City, OR | Fontana, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Kloeckner Metals | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a laser operator and a welder-machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Laser Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between laser operators' and welder-machine operators' demographics:
| Laser Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 3% |