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The differences between assembly operators and assembly technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assembly technician has an average salary of $34,952, which is higher than the $31,928 average annual salary of an assembly operator.
The top three skills for an assembly operator include hand tools, quality checks and basic math. The most important skills for an assembly technician are customer service, hand tools, and lean manufacturing.
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $31,928 | $34,952 |
| Hourly rate | $15.35 | $16.80 |
| Growth rate | -6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,293 | 52,385 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| 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 technicians are responsible for constructing small parts and components to create a new product according to the specifications of a client or a supervisor. An assembly technician performs diagnostic tests on the assembled product to ensure efficiency and conduct adjustments as needed. An assembly technician also provides manual instructional guides for product use and troubleshooting procedures. Assembly technicians must be knowledgeable about the technology and mechanical industry, as well as have the ability to analyze designs as a guide for creating high-quality products.
Assembly operators and assembly technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Technician | |
| Average salary | $31,928 | $34,952 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $28,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Washington |
| Best paying company | North American Stainless | Jefferson Lab |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between an assembly operator and an assembly technician in terms of educational background:
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between assembly operators' and assembly technicians' demographics:
| Assembly Operator | Assembly Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% | Male, 75.7% Female, 24.3% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 9.8% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |