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The differences between numerical control operators and laser operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a numerical control operator and a laser operator. Additionally, a numerical control operator has an average salary of $38,280, which is higher than the $34,813 average annual salary of a laser operator.
The top three skills for a numerical control operator include calipers, micrometers and math. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.
| Numerical Control Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,280 | $34,813 |
| Hourly rate | $18.40 | $16.74 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 85,068 | 56,479 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Numerical control operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Numerical Control Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,280 | $34,813 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Oregon City, OR |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | Oregon |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Kloeckner Metals |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a numerical control operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:
| Numerical Control Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between numerical control operators' and laser operators' demographics:
| Numerical Control Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |