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.
Assembly operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real assembly operator resumes:
- 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.
- Assemble automobiles in accordance with HONDA operation standards, quality assurance, and philosophy.
- Experience includes operation of punch presses, polyvinyl extrusion equipment, polyvinyl cutters, and the production of brush wafers.
- Assemble and troubleshoot several apparatus.
- Maintain departmental cleanliness and organization.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of production areas.
- Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment in accordance with Moog, EPA, OSHA, and ISO standards and regulations.
- Fasten parts together with bolts, screws, speed clips, rivets, or fasteners.
- Fasten parts together with bolts, screws, clips, rivets, and other fasteners.
Assembly operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Assembly Operators are proficient in Hand Tools, Quality Checks, and Basic Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Assembly Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Operated automatic compression/sonic weld machines and used various hand tools to assemble various components into finished product.
- Quality Checks, 8%
Performed quality checks using calibrated measurement devices and visual inspection as required on the Quality Inspection Plan.
- Basic Math, 8%
Complete basic mathematical calculations and follow standard work instructions.
- Quality Standards, 7%
Maintain quality standards by approving material at in-process inspection for all products verify conformance to specified dimensions.
- Math, 5%
Solve math equations quickly and accurately without calculator.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Assemble and build quality air conditioning units Operate and troubleshoot equipment effectively 5s and housekeeping Inventory management
"hand tools," "quality checks," and "basic math" are among the most common skills that assembly operators use at work. You can find even more assembly operator responsibilities below, including:
Color vision. One of the key soft skills for an assembly operator to have is color vision. You can see how this relates to what assembly operators do because "assemblers and fabricators who make electrical and electronic products must distinguish different colors, because the wires they often work with are color coded." Additionally, an assembly operator resume shows how assembly operators use color vision: "detect and report defective material and faculty operations to proper supervision. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform assembly operator duties is dexterity. Assembly operators responsibilities require that "assemblers and fabricators should have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination, as they must grasp, manipulate, and assemble parts and components that are often very small." Assembly operators also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "specialized in spot welding forklift operator press operator for product components"
Mechanical skills. For certain assembly operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of an assembly operator rely on this skill, as "assemblers and fabricators must have a working knowledge of basic machinery to use programmable motion-control devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what assembly operators do: "ensured that all parts meet all company and customer quality standards, through both visual and mechanical inspection. "
Physical strength. Another common skill required for assembly operator responsibilities is "physical strength." This skill comes up in the duties of assembly operators all the time, as "assemblers and fabricators must be able to lift heavy components or pieces of machinery." An excerpt from a real assembly operator resume shows how this skill is central to what an assembly operator does: "participated in iso 9000 activities, yearly physical inventory, and assisted with daily material distribution. "
Technical skills. Lastly, "technical skills" is an important element of what an assembly operator does. Assembly operator responsibilities require this skill because "assemblers and fabricators must understand technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics for manufacturing a range of products and machines." This resume example highlights how assembly operator duties rely on this skill: "trained incoming hires in preparation for on site work, assuring satisfactory technical capabilities and comprehension of standard company safety regulations. "
The three companies that hire the most assembly operators are:
- TPI77 assembly operators jobs
- TE Connectivity Networks�Inc57 assembly operators jobs
- Pentair26 assembly operators jobs
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Compare different assembly operators
Assembly operator vs. Manufacturing operator
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an assembly operator are more likely to require skills like "troubleshoot," "assembly operations," "continuous improvement," and "assembly process." On the other hand, a job as a manufacturing operator requires skills like "safety rules," "good communication," "ppe," and "osha." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Manufacturing operators tend to make the most money working in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $37,500. In contrast, assembly operators make the biggest average salary, $34,880, in the automotive industry.On average, manufacturing operators reach similar levels of education than assembly operators. Manufacturing operators are 2.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Assembly operator vs. Production assembler
An assembler is responsible for the arrangement of multiple parts to create an entirely new component, following the client's specifications or blueprint instructions. Assemblers must be able to interpret schematics well, as well as being able to operate mechanical equipment and hand tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the job. They should also monitor inventories and check the adequacy of supplies, verify the correct quantity of components, and inform the management of any needed assistance. An assembler must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to perform tasks under certain conditions.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that assembly operator responsibilities requires skills like "basic math," "math," "continuous improvement," and "manual dexterity." But a production assembler might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "part numbers," "production assembly," "product quality," and "mechanical assembly."
On average, production assemblers earn a lower salary than assembly operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, production assemblers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $35,037. Whereas assembly operators have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $34,880.In general, production assemblers achieve similar levels of education than assembly operators. They're 1.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assembly operator vs. Production operator
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from assembly operator resumes include skills like "troubleshoot," "assembly operations," "continuous improvement," and "assembly process," whereas a production operator is more likely to list skills in "safety rules," "customer service," "data entry," and "work ethic. "
Production operators earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $37,865. Comparatively, assembly operators have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $34,880.Most production operators achieve a similar degree level compared to assembly operators. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assembly operator vs. Generator assembler
The duties and responsibilities of a generator assembler may differ based on the industry they work in, but the most common role they perform is assembling actuators for boilers. They may also be required to inspect equipment and troubleshoot machinery. They are generally expected to work alongside other operators and supervisors and to maintain effective communication with all departments in their firm.
Types of assembly operator
Updated January 8, 2025
