Thinking of starting your own laser engraving business? You’re not alone. From home-based Etsy shops to full-fledged fabrication studios, more Americans are turning laser engraving into a rewarding side hustle—or even a full-time income. But how much does it actually cost to get up and running? Whether you’re aiming to personalize gifts, produce signage, or custom-mark metal parts, this guide breaks down the true startup costs and smart investments to help you plan.
Let’s walk through the real-world expenses—from machines and materials to software and setup.
Startup Cost Breakdown for a Laser Engraving Business
| Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Laser Engraving Machine | $2,000 – $12,000+ |
| Ventilation & Safety Gear | $100 – $500 |
| Design Software | $0 – $400 (LightBurn, Corel) |
| Workspace Setup | $200 – $1,000 (table, tools) |
| Materials & Blanks | $300 – $1,000 (wood, metal) |
| Branding & Marketing | $150 – $800 |
| Optional Add-ons (jigs, rotaries) | $100 – $800 |
| Total Estimate | $2,850 – $16,500+ |
ComMarker Omni 1 Laser Engraver
Next Generation Laser to Unlock All Materials. ZeroBurn™ Engraving Technology World’s 1st 16K HD Laser Engraver 10,000mm/s SpeedMax™ Engraving System Unlock all material with UV Laser ColdFront™ Thermal Technology Electric Lifting with 2 Optional Lenses Compatible with EZCAD and LightBurn 360°Rotary Engraving System
Choosing the Right Laser Engraver
Your laser machine is your biggest investment—and the core of your laser engraving business. Choosing the right one depends on the materials you plan to work with and your target market.
🔹 Entry-Level: ComMarker OMNI 1 UV Laser
- Cost: ~$4,499
- Best For: Wood, glass, leather, acrylic, coated metals
- Why It Works: Compact, clean engraving with 0.0019 mm precision, no burn marks on delicate materials. Ideal for personalized gifts and crafts.
👉 Learn more about the OMNI 1 UV
🔸 Mid–High Range: ComMarker B6 Fiber Laser
- Cost: ~$2,899–$4,999
- Best For: Metal engraving (tools, tags, tumblers)
- Why It Works: Ultra-portable, split/desktop design. Supports deep engraving and fast batch production.
🔥 Powerhouse Option: ComMarker Titan 1 MOPA Fiber
- Cost: $8,999+
- Best For: Industrial jobs, color metal engraving, thick material cutting
- Why It Works: Up to 200W of cutting power and color engraving for stainless steel, aluminum, and more.
👉 Explore the Titan 1 MOPA
Additional Tools & Equipment
Even a home-based laser engraving business needs more than just the laser.
Ventilation Setup
If working indoors, install an inline exhaust fan and vent to a window or use a carbon air filter box.
- Inline Fan: $50–$150
- Carbon Filter Setup: $100–$300
Computer & Software
You’ll need a computer to run LightBurn or EZCAD (depending on your machine). Some machines also support Illustrator or CorelDraw.
- LightBurn License: ~$60
- Graphic Tablet (Optional): $50–$150
Safety Gear
- Safety Glasses (UV or Fiber): ~$20–$60
- Fire Extinguisher (Class ABC): ~$40
Materials to Start Selling
To launch, you’ll want an inventory of blank items ready to engrave. Suggested starting supplies:
| Material | Examples | Starter Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Keychains, signs, tags | $50–$150 |
| Acrylic | Drink stirrers, cake toppers | $50–$100 |
| Glass | Coasters, cups | $100–$150 |
| Metal | Bottle openers, jewelry blanks | $100–$200 |
| Leather | Luggage tags, wallets | $100–$200 |
Marketing & Branding
Don’t forget about getting customers. Invest in a basic brand kit:
- Website & Domain: $50–$150/year
- Logo (DIY or Fiverr): $30–$100
- Business Cards: $20–$50
- Etsy Shop or Instagram Ads: $50–$200 to start
Realistic Total Cost Estimates
Here’s a quick snapshot of common startup budgets:
✅ Budget Starter (DIY Hobbyist)
- Total Investment: ~$3,000–$4,000
- OMNI 1 UV, LightBurn, basic materials & ventilation
- Best for: Home crafters, Etsy shops, light-duty production
✅ Side Hustle Builder
- Total Investment: ~$6,000–$8,000
- B6 30W or B6 MOPA, small workspace setup, marketing
- Best for: Metal engraving, selling at events or online
✅ Full Workshop Setup
- Total Investment: $10,000–$16,000+
- Titan 1 MOPA, multiple materials, high output
- Best for: Custom shops, industrial production, high-volume runs
How Long Before You Make a Profit?
Many new laser engraving business owners break even in 3–9 months, depending on their pricing, marketing, and output volume. Consider:
- Profit on custom wedding favor: $2–$6 each
- Profit on metal bottle opener: $5–$10 each
- Large sign jobs: $50–$300+ profit per order
Start lean, reinvest early profits, and your machine could pay for itself within the first year.
Is It Worth It?
Starting a laser engraving business is one of the most flexible and creative small business opportunities out there. With the right gear, even a small workshop can produce professional-quality results. Whether you want to engrave on weekends or build a full-time brand, the upfront costs are manageable—and the potential is big.
👉 Ready to invest in your own setup?
Explore ComMarker’s full range of laser engravers and find the right machine for your goals.
