Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalarySkillsWhat They DoEducationDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesJob Outlook

Compare

Part Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobs

Brewer vs process operator

The differences between brewers and process operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a brewer and a process operator. Additionally, a brewer has an average salary of $38,123, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.

The top three skills for a brewer include brewery, cleanliness and craft beer. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Brewer vs process operator overview

BrewerProcess Operator
Yearly salary$38,123$37,996
Hourly rate$18.33$18.27
Growth rate-3%
Number of jobs1,40983,478
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a brewer do?

A brewer specializes in making beers. Even if the extent of their duties vary upon the beer they make or their company of employment, it usually includes selecting and processing beer ingredients, tasting samples, studying reviews and assessments, and developing marketing plans for the finished products. In some companies, a brewer may have managerial tasks, such as planning procedures, setting goals and objectives, conducting research and analyses, delegating responsibilities among staff, and monitoring processes, resolving issues and concerns if any arise.

What does a process operator do?

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Brewer vs process operator salary

Brewers and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

BrewerProcess Operator
Average salary$38,123$37,996
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $48,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAGrand Forks, ND
Highest paying stateWyomingWyoming
Best paying companyFeather Falls CasinoBWX Technologies
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between brewer and process operator education

There are a few differences between a brewer and a process operator in terms of educational background:

BrewerProcess Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Brewer vs process operator demographics

Here are the differences between brewers' and process operators' demographics:

BrewerProcess Operator
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 89.0% Female, 11.0%Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 5.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between brewer and process operator duties and responsibilities

Brewer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the production of 3 seasonal and 6 regular brews in a 7 bbl brew house system.
  • Manage time and attendance as well as operator adherence to company policy within in an organization that is ISO compliant.
  • Operate and manage a working production brewery including scheduling, ordering supplies and ingredients, and maintaining accurate product inventory.
  • Assist in the HACCP of machinery to meet and exceed global food safety standards.
  • dry hops, cold breaks, O2 rousting, etc . )
  • Insure HACCP and SSOP procedures are followed.
    • Show more

Process operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
  • Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
  • Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
  • Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
  • Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.
    • Show more

Brewer vs process operator skills

Common brewer skills
  • Brewery, 25%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Craft Beer, 10%
  • Harvest, 5%
  • Fermenters, 4%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
Common process operator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
  • Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Data Entry, 4%

Brewer vs. similar jobs

Brewer related careers

Brewer related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs