Laser hourly rate calculator: what to charge per machine hour
Most people guess their hourly rate; this builds it from your real costs — machine depreciation, consumables, electricity, space, and the share of your time the machine holds hostage — then adds your margin.
- Depreciate honestly. A €500 diode with a 4,000 h module and a €15,000 Trotec with a 20-year frame are different animals — use the life of the wear part, not the sticker.
- Attended time is the silent killer. If you stand next to the machine for half of every job, half your labour rate belongs in the machine rate. Batching and jigs push that % down.
- Utilisation beats margin. Doubling your booked hours halves depreciation, consumables and space per hour — that is why busy shops can quote lower and still earn more.
- Review twice a year. Electricity, rent and tube prices move; a rate set in January is stale by summer.
How the rate is built
Cost per machine hour = depreciation (price ÷ useful hours) + consumables per hour + electricity (kW × price) + workspace share + the part of your labour that is chained to the machine. Add your profit margin on top and you have the hourly rate your quotes should be built on. Typical small-shop results land between €30 and €90/h — if yours comes out at €12, you are paying your customers to use your laser.
FAQ
How much should I charge per hour for laser cutting?
Small shops typically charge 40-90 EUR per machine hour. Build it bottom-up: depreciation + consumables + electricity + workspace + attended labour, plus a 20-40% margin. This calculator does exactly that from your own numbers.
What does a laser cutter cost per hour to run?
A hobby diode often runs 2-5 EUR/h all-in; a 60-100 W CO2 with tube depreciation, extraction and rent typically 8-20 EUR/h before labour. The dominant costs are depreciation and your attended time, not electricity.
Should I include my own time in the machine rate?
Include the share of machine time you must be present for (loading, supervising, fire watch). Design and finishing time are separate line items on the quote, not part of the machine rate.