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Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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LASER CUTTING MACHINE OPERATOR Charlotte, NC | Skilled Trades Services If you've got real time behind a laser--this is where you want to be. We're not looking for entry-level. We're looking for ...

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CNC Laser Cutting Machine Operator Full-time Pay $20.13 Cleveland, OH We're looking for an experienced CNC Laser Machine Operator to set up, run, and troubleshoot laser cutting machine used in sheet ...

Laser Machine Operator - Day Shift Location: Fort Worth, TX Pay: $22/hr | Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Responsibilities: Set up, operate, and maintain MAZAK laser cutting ...

Laser Machine Operator

Northampton, PA · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

The laser machine operator position safely performs laser cutting for a variety of manufacturing products. Essential Functions: Laser Machine Operator: * Perform typical laser cutting operations.

Laser Operator 2nd shift

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

SUMMARY Operate Amada laser cutting machine and support the production team by assembling parts, operating machinery, bending and punching of metal products. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Operate Amada ...

Laser Machine Operator - Day Shift Located: Fort Worth Pay: $22/hr | Full-Time | Mon-Fri, 6:00 AM ... Set up, operate, and maintain MAZAK laser cutting machines (2D/3D) * Load/unload materials and ...

Laser Operator 2nd shift

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

SUMMARY Operate Amada laser cutting machine and support the production team by assembling parts, operating machinery, bending and punching of metal products. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Operate Amada ...

Laser Machine Operator - Day Shift Located: Fort Worth Pay: $22/hr | Full-Time | Mon-Fri, 6:00 AM ... Set up, operate, and maintain MAZAK laser cutting machines (2D/3D) * Load/unload materials and ...

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Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Laser Machine Operator to set up, operate, and maintain CNC ... Set up and operate CNC laser cutting machines for sheet metal production * Load and unload raw ...

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Laser Machine Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Key Responsibilities Machine Operation & Production • Set up, program, and operate laser cutting ... experience operating laser cutting equipment or similar CNC machinery in a manufacturing ...

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Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator information

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How much do freelance laser cutting machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance laser cutting machine operator in the United States is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to price laser cutting jobs?

A freelance laser cutting machine operator typically prices jobs based on material costs, machine time, complexity of the design, and finishing requirements. Common pricing methods include charging per hour, per project, or by the square inch or foot of material cut. Accurate estimation also considers setup time, operator skill, and equipment maintenance to ensure profitability.

How much do laser cutter operators make?

Laser cutter operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Entry-level operators may start at the lower end, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or specialized environments.

Is laser cutting a good career?

A freelance laser cutting machine operator can find steady work in manufacturing, signage, or art industries, often requiring technical skills and knowledge of CAD software. The job involves operating laser equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining machines, with opportunities for flexible schedules and skill development. Career prospects depend on industry demand and individual expertise.

How much does a CNC operator earn?

A freelance laser cutting machine operator, similar to a CNC operator, typically earns between $15 and $30 per hour depending on experience, location, and complexity of projects. Skilled operators with certifications and proficiency in CAD/CAM software can command higher rates, especially when working independently or on specialized tasks.

What is the difference between Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator vs Fabrication Technician?

AspectFreelance Laser Cutting Machine OperatorFabrication Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification or training in laser operationRequires technical training or certifications in fabrication processes
Work EnvironmentOften works independently or on a contract basis, in workshops or client sitesWorks in manufacturing or fabrication shops, often as part of a team
Industry UsageCommon in custom design, signage, and small-scale productionUsed in larger manufacturing, assembly, and industrial fabrication

While both roles involve working with fabrication equipment, a Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator primarily focuses on operating laser cutting machines independently for custom projects, whereas a Fabrication Technician typically works within a team in industrial settings, handling broader fabrication tasks. The key differences lie in work scope, environment, and employment structure.

More about Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs? The most popular types of Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Laser Cutting Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,953 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Laser Cutting Machine Operator

Skilled Trades Services

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

LASER CUTTING MACHINE OPERATOR
Charlotte, NC | Skilled Trades Services

If you’ve got real time behind a laser—this is where you want to be.

We’re not looking for entry-level.
We’re looking for operators who know the machines, know the materials, and take pride in precision work.

THE ROLE

You’ll be running high-performance laser cutting equipment producing tight-tolerance, high-quality parts in a fast-paced shop environment.

Tube Laser experience? That’s a BIG win.
Plasma or Waterjet background? We like that too.

MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE (READ BEFORE APPLYING)

We’re serious about this part ?'?

  • You MUST have hands-on laser cutting experience
  • You MUST have worked with at least one of these:
  • Bystronic
  • Trumpf
  • Mitsubishi
  • Cincinnati
  • Amada
  • Hankwank (HK)

No laser experience? This isn’t the role for you
Never operated a laser machine? Keep scrolling

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Set up and operate fiber laser cutting machines (Hankwank + others)
  • Dial in cutting parameters (speed, power, gas flow) like a pro
  • Read blueprints and execute with precision
  • Monitor production and adjust for quality + efficiency
  • Perform basic maintenance + troubleshoot issues
  • Inspect parts to ensure tight tolerances are met
  • Keep your station clean, safe, and production-ready

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

  • Solid experience with CNC / Laser Cutting equipment
  • Strong blueprint reading + layout skills
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM and machine programming
  • Mechanical aptitude (you can fix things, not just run them)
  • Sharp eye for detail and quality
  • Safety-first mindset (OSHA awareness is key)

MATERIALS YOU’LL BE CUTTING

If you’ve worked with these—you’ll fit right in:

  • Stainless Steel
  • Carbon / Mild Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Copper (depending on setup)

WHO THRIVES HERE

  • Operators who take pride in clean, accurate work
  • People who show up, get it done, and do it right
  • Self-starters who don’t need hand-holding
  • Team players who can also run solo

WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT

  • Work with top-tier equipment
  • Be part of a team that respects skilled operators
  • Steady work with real opportunity

READY TO APPLY?

If you’ve got the experience and want to be part of a solid operation—we want to talk to you.

Apply now or message us directly to get started.

STARTING PAY?
If you’ve got the experience, my client is willing to start at $25-$30 an hour!


Skilled Trades Services logo

About Skilled Trades Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Skilled construction work requires experience, diligence, and dedication to the job at hand. Whether your project needs one tradesperson or an entire team, we’re your full-service firm, ready to provide the top skilled workers and everything that goes with hiring them. Trust our team to handle everything from recruitment to payroll, so you can focus on getting the job done.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Brookfield, WI, US

Year founded

1974

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