What is a laser operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

Laser operators carry out standard operations of laser cutting and choosing the right cuts and fittings. They are also in charge of setting the correct stop location and setting the concentrate beam laser. Additionally, they detect and report any faulty content to the supervisor.

Employees are frequently exposed to airborne particles, mechanical composites, and movements while performing the duties of this role. The level of noise in the workplace can be very loaded as well. It is also a physically demanding job, and workers are expected to accomplish the vital tasks of this work successfully. You can expect to stand for an extended period while also having to bend, crouch, and crawl all day.

A laser operator needs to have specific vision abilities such as close vision, depth perception, and adjusting color. Duties for this role may vary depending on the type of industry, but professionals must have an extensive understanding of reading blueprints and mechanical drawings. It is also necessary to have attention to detail while adhering to all standards of quality and safety.

ScoreLaser OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,813

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.0

Growth Rate -8%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 6.00%

Black or African American 4.83%

Hispanic or Latino 14.61%

Unknown 5.43%

White 68.26%

Gender

female 17.86%

male 82.14%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.1

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Laser Operator career paths

Key steps to become a laser operator

  1. Explore laser operator education requirements

    Most common laser operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.4 %

    Associate

    24.0 %

    Bachelor's

    16.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific laser operator skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Laser Cutting13.43%
    Calipers7.54%
    Laser Machine6.97%
    Math5.75%
    Hand Tools5.38%
  3. Complete relevant laser operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laser operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a laser operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laser operator resumes.
  4. Research laser operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your laser operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laser operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laser operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Laser Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Laser Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Laser Operator resume.
    Laser Operator Resume
    Laser Operator Resume
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    Laser Operator Resume
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    Laser Operator Resume
    Laser Operator Resume
    Laser Operator Resume
    Laser Operator Resume
  6. Apply for laser operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a laser operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Laser Operator Job

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Average laser operator salary

The average Laser Operator salary in the United States is $34,813 per year or $17 per hour. Laser operator salaries range between $27,000 and $44,000 per year.

Average Laser Operator Salary
$34,813 Yearly
$16.74 hourly

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How do laser operators rate their job?

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Laser Operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

It was challenging sort of an artistic job

Cons

Heavy lifting a very physical job


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Piping,tanks ,vessels ,structure


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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