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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cnc Laser Operator in South Dakota is $36,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Cnc Laser Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cnc Laser Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,723 | $3,227 | $745 | $19 |
| Average | $36,480 | $3,040 | $702 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,493 | $2,624 | $606 | $15 |
DeGeest Corporation - Sioux Falls, SD
DeGeest Corporation - Sioux Falls, SD
Crenlo Engineered Cabs - Watertown, SD
Lippert - Brandon, SD
A Cnc Laser Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cnc Laser Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cnc Laser... Level Cnc Laser Operator | $36,826 |
| Trust Ope... Level Cnc Laser Operator | $45,085 |
| Trust Ope... Level Cnc Laser Operator | $61,122 |
| Trust Ope... Level Cnc Laser Operator | $120,205 |
| Trust Ope... Level Cnc Laser Operator | $185,704 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Cnc Laser Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Cnc Laser Operator positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Cnc Laser Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $43,776 | $21.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cnc Laser Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,723 | $3,227 | $745 | $19 |
| Average | $36,480 | $3,040 | $702 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,493 | $2,624 | $606 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cnc Laser Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Horizon Machine Inc
Sturgis, SD
Horizon Machine Inc | Sturgis, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Daily Responsibilities. Set up/tear down machine setups. Cut material. Run parts. Inspect, measure, count parts. Communic... more
8 Days Ago
Showplace Cabinetry
Harrisburg, SD
Showplace Cabinetry | Harrisburg, SD
Job Title. Location 1 Enterprise St, Harrisburg, SD, 57032, United States. Base Pay $19.64 - $29.46 / Hour. Job Category CNC Operator, Machine Operator, Ma... more
9 Days Ago
Twin Cities Orthopedics
Watertown, SD
Twin Cities Orthopedics | Watertown, SD
CNC Operator. Job Title: CNC Operator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Reports to: CNC Shift Supervisor Schedule: 2nd Shift (M-Th 3:15pm - 1:45am) Wage Sca... more
10 Days Ago
Dakotaland Manufacturing
Watertown, SD
Dakotaland Manufacturing | Watertown, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Weekend Shift Machine Operator / CNC Machinist. Work 36 hours. Get paid for 40. Pay: $19–$35/hour based on experience and... more
8 Days Ago
IMKO
Brookings, SD
IMKO | Brookings, SD
Job Description. Job Description. IMKO Workforce Solutions is seeking a CNC Lathe Operator (1st &2nd shift) for a growing fabrication shop in Brookings. Re... more
7 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
WHEELER, IL
Stevens Industries | WHEELER, IL
Description The CNC Router Drill operator must understand material parts and troubleshooting machinery issues while always stressing Steven's motto of Safe... more
6 Days Ago
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