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Assembly operator vs cell operator

The differences between assembly operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, 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 a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Assembly operator vs cell operator overview

Assembly OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$31,928$37,866
Hourly rate$15.35$18.20
Growth rate-6%7%
Number of jobs87,29366,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4443
Years of experience--

What does an assembly operator do?

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.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Assembly operator vs cell operator salary

Assembly operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assembly OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$31,928$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $38,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CABothell, WA
Highest paying stateMaineWashington
Best paying companyNorth American StainlessCummins
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between assembly operator and cell operator education

There are a few differences between an assembly operator and a cell operator in terms of educational background:

Assembly OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Assembly operator vs cell operator demographics

Here are the differences between assembly operators' and cell operators' demographics:

Assembly OperatorCell Operator
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 53.3% Female, 46.7%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between assembly operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

Assembly operator example responsibilities.

  • Achieve enhancement in shop math: trigonometry, compound angles, and geometry.
  • Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
  • Handle delicate parts with great dexterity.
  • Assist in the ISO certification for the company * TQM certify
  • Meet cycle time goal and adhere to ISO guidelines.
  • Work in Honda, Chrysler, and Toyota department building door latches.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Assembly operator vs cell operator skills

Common assembly operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Quality Checks, 8%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Quality Standards, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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