Salary AI Book a Demo

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary in the United States

How much does a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV in the United States is $71,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,964
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,100 to $78,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,543
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salaries

A CNC Laser Machine Operator IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNC Laser Machine Operator IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $79,000.
  • California: $78,700.
  • Massachusetts: $77,700.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Laser Machine Operator IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $90,000
  • San Francisco: $89,000
  • Oakland: $87,200

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • ISO (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): The International Organization for Standardization is an international standard development organization composed of representatives from the national standards organizations of member countries.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 0.96% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 1.82%
ISO 1.35%
Preventive Maintenance 0.96%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV's salary.

  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Mechanical Drawing: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Dedication $74,970
5%
Analysis $74,256
4%
Mechanical Drawing $74,256
4%
Get Latest Data

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,363. While startup companies pay approximate $68,051.

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,051
Growth Stage 51~500 $71,946
Established 501~5000 $77,623
Enterprise 5000+ $80,363

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Laser Machine Operator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, CNC Laser Machine Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Laser Machine Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$92,820$45.030%
MFG Durable$89,250$43.025%
Aerospace & Defense$82,110$39.015%
Energy & Utilities$78,540$38.010%
Software & Networking$78,540$38.010%

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$63,100
Average $71,400/year
$78,500
$5,258
Average $5,950/month
$6,542
$1,213
Average $1,373/week
$1,510
$30
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,500 $6,542 $1,510 $38
Average $71,400 $5,950 $1,373 $34
25th Percentile $63,100 $5,258 $1,213 $30

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

CNC Laser Machine Operator IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a CNC Laser Machine Operator IV, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Production Machine Operations Supervisor $80,600 13%
Machining Operations Supervisor I $65,800 -8%
Packing Line Operations Supervisor $84,600 18%

Most common benefits for CNC Laser Machine Operator IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CNC Laser Machine Operator IV

Here are companies hiring for CNC Laser Machine Operator IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next CNC Laser Machine Operator IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Laser Machine Operator IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about CNC Laser Machine Operator IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for CNC Laser Machine Operator IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Laser Machine Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. How much do CNC operators make in the US?

CNC Laser Machine Operators in the US earn between $63,200 and $79,200 annually, with a median salary of $71,700. Entry-level positions typically start at $63,200, while experienced operators can earn up to $79,200 per year.

3. What is the highest salary of a Cnc Operator?

The highest salary that a CNC Laser Machine Operator can earn is $79,200 per year. In terms of monthly earnings, this amounts to approximately $6,600. The top-paying industries and cities for CNC Operators can vary, but typically include manufacturing and technology sectors in major urban areas.

4. Are machine operators in demand?

Yes, machine operators, including CNC Laser Machine Operators, are in high demand across various industries such as manufacturing and food processing. With salaries ranging from $63,200 to $79,200, this role offers competitive compensation, reflecting the growing need for skilled operators in today's job market.

5. How long is CNC operator training?

CNC operator training typically takes about 36 weeks to complete. Upon finishing the program, CNC Laser Machine Operators can expect to earn a salary ranging from $63,200 to $79,200, with a median salary of around $71,700. This training equips individuals with the skills needed for a rewarding career in CNC machining.

6. How much do laser operators make in the US?

CNC Laser Machine Operators in the US earn between $63,200 and $79,200 annually. The average salary is approximately $71,700. This data indicates that salaries below $63,200 are considered outliers, while those above $79,200 represent the higher end of the pay scale.

7. Are CNC operators in demand?

The demand for CNC Laser Machine Operators is at an all-time high, fueled by the resurgence of manufacturing, technological advancements, and industry diversification. With salaries ranging from $63,200 to $79,200, this role offers competitive compensation, reflecting the growing need for skilled operators in various sectors.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job