What does a laser operator do?
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.
Laser operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real laser operator resumes:
- 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.
- Maintain and troubleshoot problems and minor adjustments to continue productivity.
- Maintain equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshoot malfunctions; request repairs.
- Dye setting and machine set up.
- Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses
Laser operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Laser Operators are proficient in Laser Cutting, Calipers, and Laser Machine. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Laser Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Laser Cutting, 13%
Perform laser cutting operations per specifications adjusting focal point as needed.
- Calipers, 8%
Measure finished parts with micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, calipers, pin gauges, and other high-precision instruments.
- Laser Machine, 7%
Maintained basic maintenance to the Laser Machine periodically so that it operated properly to avoid any interruption during production.
- Math, 6%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
- Hand Tools, 5%
Operate metal finishing machinery and hand tools (time-saver, tumblers, hand finishing tools, grinders, etc.)
- CNC Laser, 4%
Used CNC lasers to produce metal and synthetic material parts, while maintaining a clean and positive work environment.
Common skills that a laser operator uses to do their job include "laser cutting," "calipers," and "laser machine." You can find details on the most important laser operator responsibilities below.
Computer skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a laser operator to have is computer skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "metal and plastic machine workers often must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Laser operators often use computer skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "checked laser & diameter defects of computer printer tubes * ensured products meet quality standards * prepared items for shipment"
Dexterity. Many laser operator duties rely on dexterity. "metal and plastic machine workers who work in metal and plastic machined goods manufacturing use precise hand movements to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require.," so a laser operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways laser operator responsibilities rely on dexterity: "programmed and operated cnc laser; work 8 to 12 hour full-time shifts per week; and have forklift operation experience. "
Physical strength. laser operators are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to laser operator responsibilities, because "metal and plastic machine workers must be strong enough to guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines." A laser operator resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "performed quality checks to verify weight, strength and durability of the finished goods. "
Mechanical skills. For certain laser operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a laser operator rely on this skill, as "metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machinery." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what laser operators do: "experience with an amada brake press, pacific mechanical brakes, drill presses and mills and all associated hand tools. "
The three companies that hire the most laser operators are:
- Olympic Steel10 laser operators jobs
- Express Employment Indy South9 laser operators jobs
- Aerotek8 laser operators jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable laser operator resume templates
Build a professional laser operator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your laser operator resume.
Compare different laser operators
Laser operator vs. 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. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between laser operators and numerical control operator. For instance, laser operator responsibilities require skills such as "laser machine," "cnc laser," "safety rules," and "work ethic." Whereas a numerical control operator is skilled in "micrometers," "lathe machines," "safety standards," and "troubleshoot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Numerical control operators really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $41,888. Comparatively, laser operators tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $36,571.The education levels that numerical control operators earn slightly differ from laser operators. In particular, numerical control operators are 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a laser operator. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Laser operator vs. Machine operator/machinist
Each career also uses different skills, according to real laser operator resumes. While laser operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "laser cutting," "laser machine," "hand tools," and "cnc laser," machine operators/machinist use skills like "cnc lathes," "grinders," "cnc machines," and "micrometers."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Machine operators/machinist tend to reach similar levels of education than laser operators. In fact, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Laser operator vs. Grinding machine operator
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, laser operators are more likely to have skills like "laser cutting," "laser machine," "math," and "cnc laser." But a grinding machine operator is more likely to have skills like "grinders," "grinding wheels," "micrometers," and "cnc."
Grinding machine operators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $40,910. On the other hand, laser operators are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $36,571.When it comes to education, grinding machine operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to laser operators. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Laser operator vs. Punch press operator
Types of laser operator
Updated January 8, 2025
