Table operator vs laser operator

The differences between table 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 table operator and a laser operator. Additionally, a laser operator has an average salary of $34,813, which is higher than the $31,481 average annual salary of a table operator.

The top three skills for a table operator include cnc plasma, overhead cranes and tape measure. The most important skills for a laser operator are laser cutting, calipers, and laser machine.

Table operator vs laser operator overview

	Table Operator	Laser Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$34,813
Hourly rate	$15.14	$16.74
Growth rate	-5%	-8%
Number of jobs	54,149	56,479
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	46	43
Years of experience	2	2

Table operator vs laser operator salary

Table operators and laser operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Table Operator	Laser Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$34,813
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Oregon City, OR
Highest paying state	Alaska	Oregon
Best paying company	SPX	Kloeckner Metals
Best paying industry	Construction	Technology

Differences between table operator and laser operator education

There are a few differences between a table operator and a laser operator in terms of educational background:

	Table Operator	Laser Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs laser operator demographics

Here are the differences between table operators' and laser operators' demographics:

	Table Operator	Laser Operator
Average age	46	43
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	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%

Differences between table operator and laser operator duties and responsibilities

Table operator example responsibilities.

Measure thickness of material with calipers and micrometers while sanding to keep material within allowable tolerances.
Inspect raw stock for defects, keeping record of all non-conforming pieces in accordance with ISO certification standards.
Clean, Deburr, and inspect make by the laser to insure good quality of the parts.
Job responsibilities include operating shear and saws to produce correct blank parts within ISO tolerances for future manufacturing duties and departments.
Utilize both FCAW and GMAW to weld steel products.
Fit up and weld automobile lifts using GMAW process.

Laser operator example responsibilities.

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.

Table operator vs laser operator skills

Common table operator skills

CNC Plasma, 13%
Overhead Cranes, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Steel Plates, 8%
Quality Checks, 6%
Press Brake, 6%

Common laser operator skills

Laser Cutting, 13%
Calipers, 8%
Laser Machine, 7%
Math, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
CNC Laser, 4%