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The differences between assembly operators and assembly line workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assembly operator has an average salary of $31,928, which is higher than the $27,929 average annual salary of an assembly line worker.
The top three skills for an assembly operator include hand tools, quality checks and basic math. The most important skills for an assembly line worker are assembly line production, safety procedures, and production process.
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Line Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $31,928 | $27,929 |
| Hourly rate | $15.35 | $13.43 |
| Growth rate | -6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 87,293 | 88,030 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 44 | 38 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also perform regular maintenance checks on machines and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it is essential to observe an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a structured and smooth workflow.
Assembly line workers are factory or production floor employees who work on putting together company products. They are assigned to work on a specific part of the product. Once they are done, they should hand it over to the next person on the line. They ensure the quality of the product by doing their part consistently. They also manage the inventory of the features they handle. Assembly line workers should work conscientiously so that the assembly line will remain unbroken. They should be familiar with occupational safety and health practices to ensure that the production floor remains safe for all the workers.
Assembly operators and assembly line workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Line Worker | |
| Average salary | $31,928 | $27,929 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $22,000 And $35,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Bellingham, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | North American Stainless | Magna International |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an assembly operator and an assembly line worker in terms of educational background:
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Line Worker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between assembly operators' and assembly line workers' demographics:
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Line Worker | |
| Average age | 44 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 9.4% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 4.7% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 9% |