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The differences between press brake 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 press brake operator and a laser operator. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $34,813 average annual salary of a laser operator.
The top three skills for a press brake operator include calipers, tape measure and math. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.
| Press Brake Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,359 | $34,813 |
| Hourly rate | $17.48 | $16.74 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 57,264 | 56,479 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal. These operators may have their own business, work in a factory setting, or other types of machinery shops.
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.
Press brake operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Brake Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,359 | $34,813 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Oregon City, OR |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Johnson Controls | Kloeckner Metals |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a press brake operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Brake Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press brake operators' and laser operators' demographics:
| Press Brake Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 3% | 6% |