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The differences between press 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 operator and a laser operator. Additionally, a laser operator has an average salary of $34,813, which is higher than the $34,568 average annual salary of a press operator.
The top three skills for a press operator include quality standards, press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.
| Press Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,568 | $34,813 |
| Hourly rate | $16.62 | $16.74 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 55,215 | 56,479 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines. Press operators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry and the ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
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 operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,568 | $34,813 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Westfield, MA | Oregon City, OR |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Oregon |
| Best paying company | ProAmpac | Kloeckner Metals |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a press operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:
| Press 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 operators' and laser operators' demographics:
| Press Operator | Laser Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% | 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% |