To become a laser machine operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Further education through an apprenticeship or vocational school is useful for learning the skills needed to operate a CNC machine. Employers want candidates with prior laser cutting machine experience and proficiency working with sheet metal. You must be familiar with all OSHA and ISO standards and abide by safety procedures. You also need to know the difference between materials including steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Other qualifications include the ability to read blueprints, an understanding of lift techniques, and knowledge of the tools used and required maintenance for those tools.

If you are interested in a job related to Laser Machine Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Laser Machine Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Laser Machine Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Trumpf Laser Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,000
Trumpf Laser Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Trumpf Laser Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Trumpf Laser Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Cnc Laser Machine Operator
Salary range: $39,000 - $48,500
Cnc Laser Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cnc Laser Machine Operator jobs pay between $39,000 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cnc Laser Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Laser Cutter Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,000
Laser Cutter Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Laser Cutter Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Laser Cutter Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Contract Laser Cutter Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,000
Contract Laser Cutter Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Contract Laser Cutter Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Contract Laser Cutter Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Trumpf Machine Operator
Salary range: $33,000 - $43,000
Trumpf Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Trumpf Machine Operator jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Trumpf Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cnc Laser Operator
Salary range: $39,000 - $48,500
Computer numerical control (CNC) laser operators run computerized cutting and engraving machines to slice and carve materials, such as metal parts, plastic, and wood. In this role, you set up the machine lens and adjust the instrument between each project to meet specifications while adhering to proper safety procedures before, during, and after you operate machinery. You may also be responsible for repairing and maintaining the CNC laser machinery, as well as taking inventory of CNC machine-related products. You find CNC laser operators most commonly in manufacturing plants; these positions can be either part-time or full-time, and usually operate during regular business hours.
Seasonal Trumpf Laser Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,000
Seasonal Trumpf Laser Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Seasonal Trumpf Laser Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Seasonal Trumpf Laser Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Precision Waterjet Laser
Salary range: $40,500 - $59,000
Precision Waterjet Laser is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Precision Waterjet Laser jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Precision Waterjet Laser job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Laser Cutting Machine Operator
Salary range: $38,000 - $44,000
Laser Cutting Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Laser Cutting Machine Operator jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Laser Cutting Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
From Home Laser Engraving
Salary range: $40,500 - $59,000
From Home Laser Engraving is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for From Home Laser Engraving jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for From Home Laser Engraving job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Laser Machine Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Laser Machine Operator Jobs in 2026