Hourly rate
Laser cutting hourly rate calculator
Your machine rate is the bridge between ownership cost and job quotes. If it is too low, every quote silently underfunds replacement, maintenance and downtime.
Hourly-rate components
- Machine depreciation or lease cost.
- Expected productive hours, not calendar hours.
- Maintenance and consumables.
- Electricity, air assist, extraction and cooling allowances.
- Rent, insurance and software overhead allocation.
Use productive hours carefully. A laser available 40 hours per week may only cut paid jobs for a smaller number of hours.
FAQ
Should hobbyists use an hourly rate?
Yes, even if the rate is only a planning number. It prevents underpricing custom jobs and helps fund replacement parts.
Is machine time the same as labor time?
No. A job can run unattended for some minutes, but setup, file preparation, cleaning and customer messages are labor.