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How much do laser materials processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser materials processing in the United States is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Laser Materials Processing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Laser Materials Processing, you need a solid understanding of materials science, laser physics, and process engineering, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laser systems, CAD/CAM software, and quality control tools, as well as certifications like Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO), are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for optimizing precision, ensuring safety, and meeting the technical demands of advanced manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Laser Materials Processing vs Welding Technician?

AspectLaser Materials ProcessingWelding Technician
CredentialsCertifications in laser safety, laser operation, and materials processingWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWI)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing plants, aerospace, automotiveConstruction sites, manufacturing facilities, repair shops
Industry UsagePrecision cutting, welding, surface treatment using lasersTraditional welding, fabrication, assembly
Common Search/ComparisonLaser processing techniques, laser operator rolesWelding procedures, welding technician jobs

Laser Materials Processing involves using laser technology for cutting, welding, and surface treatments, often requiring specialized laser safety and operation certifications. Welding Technicians focus on traditional welding methods, working in construction or manufacturing environments, with certifications like AWS. While both roles involve metal fabrication, Laser Materials Processing emphasizes precision laser techniques, whereas Welding Technicians perform conventional welding tasks.

What is laser materials processing?

Laser materials processing refers to the use of laser technology to modify, cut, weld, engrave, or otherwise alter the properties of different materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. This technique uses focused laser beams to deliver precise amounts of energy to a targeted area, enabling high accuracy and minimal material wastage. Applications include laser cutting, laser welding, surface treatment, engraving, and additive manufacturing. The process is valued for its versatility, precision, and ability to work with a wide range of materials in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in laser materials processing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in laser materials processing often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision and consistency in material modification, managing thermal effects that can lead to undesired changes, and ensuring safety in high-energy environments. These challenges are typically addressed by staying current with the latest laser technologies, following strict operational protocols, and collaborating closely with engineers and safety specialists. Continuous training and the use of advanced monitoring tools also help in minimizing errors and optimizing process outcomes.
More about Laser Materials Processing jobs
What job categories do people searching Laser Materials Processing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Materials Processing jobs are:
Laser Materials Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Materials Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 50% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,394 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Laser Process / Applications Engineer

Halo Industries, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Halo Industries has invented a technology to replace a decades-old semiconductor material-slicing process that wastes billions of dollars annually. Halo's laser-based technology eliminates this waste, delivering improvements in both material cost and performance, while enabling manufacturing advancements in a diverse set of high-growth applications markets, including the automotive, grid infrastructure, telecommunications, and power electronics sectors.
Halo originally spun out of Stanford University in 2014, acquiring a significant A round of VC funding in 2020 following the successful demonstration of the company's precision material slicing equipment. Halo is now planning its volume manufacturing operations and building a passionate team to meet its next milestone of deploying the company's first fully integrated production line.
Halo Industries is well-funded, engaged with strategic customers, and staged to achieve rapid operational, revenue, and valuation growth.
As a Laser Process Application Engineer / Senior Laser Process Engineer, you will have the following responsibilities:
  • Operate and maintain laser materials processing setups and procedures
  • Conduct hands-on experiments to investigate and characterize underlying physical effects in laser assisted material processing
  • Use data analysis and simulation to propose design improvements based on experimental results
  • Identify critical relationships between key process parameters and resulting data for process optimization
  • Interpret empirical data and reconcile it with first principles via analytical and/or numerical simulations
  • Summarize and present experimental results to team members
  • Work in a team and contribute to the implementation of next-generation industrial semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Requirements
The ideal candidate is a recent PhD or an BS / MS with 1-5 years of industrial work experience in Physics, Applied Physics, Laser Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or Material Science focusing on the development and optimization of laser based / assisted processes in material processing or micromachining.
In addition, the candidate would have the following specific qualifications:
  • Understanding of optical physics fundamentals and how they apply to laser materials processing
  • Understanding of laser material interaction
  • Experience with laser micromachining applications such as ablation, surface structuring and multi-photon absorption
  • Strong hands-on skills in the design and conducting of experiments and analyzing results
  • Experience with DOE (design of experiments), data collection and data analysis (e.g. JMP, SQL, MATLAB, Python).
  • Proficiency to work well in an interdisciplinary team environment, collaborating with mechanical engineers and materials experts

Bonus
  • Experience with semiconductor materials
  • Experience in optical system design
  • Experience with ultrafast pulsed lasers and scanner optics
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Strong analytical thinking and systematic problem solving skills

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Free Food & Snacks
  • Stock Option Plan
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Base salary $110,000 to $150,000

Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in STEM. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Apply