It is shown that when a metal surface is exposed to laser radiation, a wavy-like relief is formed on it. According to the data obtained, three stages of spatial growth of the waves can be noted: area of surface stabilization, area of exponential and nonlinear wave growth. Formation of the wavy-like relief of a crater is connected with the appearance of thermocapillary instability. Wave breaking in the stage of nonlinear growth could be related to the difference of phase velocities.