Laser Job Cost Calculator
Estimate your per-unit cost and suggested pricing for laser engraving and cutting jobs. Covers material, machine time, setup, and markup.
Job Details
Results
Want to track job costs automatically?
BeamFlow tracks material, machine time, and markup per job - so you always know your real margins.
Apply for Founding CohortHow to Price Laser Engraving and Cutting Jobs
Pricing laser jobs accurately is the difference between a profitable shop and one that bleeds money on remakes and underquotes. Here is a simple framework:
1. Know your machine rate. Divide your monthly machine costs (lease, maintenance, power, consumables) by your productive hours. Most commercial CO2 and fiber laser shops land between $75 and $250/hour depending on equipment and overhead.
2. Track material cost per unit. Include waste. If you cut 10 pieces from a sheet and 15% of the sheet is scrap, spread that cost across the 10 pieces.
3. Don't forget setup time. Loading files, aligning jigs, running test cuts - this is billable time. Amortize it across the quantity: a 15-minute setup on 100 units is $0.375/unit at $150/hr, but on 1 unit it is $37.50.
4. Apply a markup that covers profit and risk. A 50% markup on cost gives you a 33% gross margin. Many commercial shops target 40-60% markup for standard jobs and higher for rush or complex work.