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.

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Cell Operator Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real cell operator resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

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.
Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
Load multiple parts onto jig in several weld cells.
Position and clamp work pieces together or assemble them in a jig fixture.
Operate a manufacturing line that produces medical products in accordance with ISO specifications.
Operate a cell line producing batteries while striving for top quality (ISO 9000/9001) 2.
Supply valuable information in weekly production, safety, and quality management meetings to plant and general managers
Consult with engineering and upper management on product improvement to produce the most cost effective product without compromising quality.
Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

Cell Operator Job Description

When it comes to understanding what a cell operator does, you may be wondering, "should I become a cell operator?" The data included in this section may help you decide. Compared to other jobs, cell operators have a growth rate described as "as fast as average" at 4% between the years 2018 - 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the number of cell operator opportunities that are predicted to open up by 2028 is 32,600.

On average, the cell operator annual salary is $37,866 per year, which translates to $18.2 an hour. Generally speaking, cell operators earn anywhere from $31,000 to $45,000 a year, which means that the top-earning cell operators make $18,000 more than the ones at the lower end of the spectrum.

It's hard work to become a cell operator, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you're interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we've compiled extensive information on becoming a manufacturing operator, lining machine operator, handle machine operator, and production operator.

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5 Cell Operator Resume Examples

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Karen Gray Cell Operator Contact Information Boston, MA (660) 555-0040 kgray@example.com Skills Forklifts Machine Operators Assembly Line Tape Measure Hand Tools Facility Small Parts Customer Orders Crew Members General Worker Employment History Cell Operator 2020 - Present Boston Scientific Boston, MA Checked equipment to ensure safety procedures have been applied, maintained accurate records. Maintained records and logs in compliance with regulatory requirements and performed inspection and quality checks, verifying component and product. Worked on an assembly line to inspect bottles for defects and inconsistencies to the product before being shipped. Blueprint reading, use of calipers and micrometers. Machine Operator Assistant 2019 - 2020 NECCO Boston, MA Monitored stocks of materials such as paper, ink and metal in order to maintain supplies during equipment operation. Follow all GMP, Allergen, Lockout-Tagout and HACCP standards with all safety procedures. Inspected raw materials, and monitored the GMP Program in production. Worked a fast paced machine to create company parts Inspect parts and make sure they are of company standards Generator Operator 2011 - 2019 Massachusetts Bay Transportation ... Boston, MA Operated trolleys and buses in a safe and professional manner Accommodated the riding public with knowledge of all routes and safety rules Demonstrated a strong working knowledge of how to properly operate overhead hoist and assembly in accordance with safety rules and regulations. Explained operation of equipment and safety procedures. Observed material stock along assembly line and notified materials-handling personnel or supervisor of impending shortages. Education Associate's Degree Psychology 2009 - 2011 University of Massachusetts Boston Boston, MA


Mark Sullivan Cell Operator Contact Info Ann Arbor, MI (850) 555-1348 msullivan@example.com Skills TroubleshootComplete TasksHeavy EquipmentProduction FloorHand ToolsTitaniumProduction ProcessCoil ChangesMicrometersNecessary Adjustments Employment History Cell Operator 2020 - Present ManpowerGroup Ann Arbor, MI Monitored production line, problem solve assembly line delays to prevent company loss. Operated machines for assembly of automotive parts such as hood and trunk latch cables as well as steering column turn signal switches Operate machinery Inspect first part Maintain machinery to keep it running properly Assemble finished products Hydraulic Press Operator 2010 - 2020 Toledo Molding & Die Bowling Green, OH Inspect partsWear proper ppeKeep area cleanI eventually became forklift certified and took a material handling position. Load completed automotive locksets/ignitions/keys into FANUC LR200C station, operate touch-screen computer. inspect parts of belt and trim with razor blade. Train new employees Inspect parts in quality lab using gages, calipers, pressure gages Direct packaging of finished goods Generator Operator 2008 - 2010 Best Buy Chicago, IL Managed a total of twelve customer service representatives and cashiers. Helped managed the customer service desk, administrative office, and front check out with the Operations Supervisor. Supervised a team of 12 employees at customer service and point of sale operations. Resolved customer issues that were escalated from Customer Service. Education Bachelor's Degree General Studies 2005 - 2008 Indiana University South Bend South Bend, IN


Mark Sullivan Cell Operator Ann Arbor, MI (850) 555-1348 msullivan@example.com Experience Cell Operator2020 - Present ManpowerGroup•Ann Arbor, MI Monitored production line, problem solve assembly line delays to prevent company loss. Operated machines for assembly of automotive parts such as hood and trunk latch cables as well as steering column turn signal switches Operate machinery Inspect first part Maintain machinery to keep it running properly Assemble finished products Hydraulic Press Operator2010 - 2020 Toledo Molding & Die•Bowling Green, OH Inspect partsWear proper ppeKeep area cleanI eventually became forklift certified and took a material handling position. Load completed automotive locksets/ignitions/keys into FANUC LR200C station, operate touch-screen computer. inspect parts of belt and trim with razor blade. Train new employees Inspect parts in quality lab using gages, calipers, pressure gages Direct packaging of finished goods Generator Operator2008 - 2010 Best Buy•Chicago, IL Managed a total of twelve customer service representatives and cashiers. Helped managed the customer service desk, administrative office, and front check out with the Operations Supervisor. Supervised a team of 12 employees at customer service and point of sale operations. Resolved customer issues that were escalated from Customer Service. Skills TroubleshootComplete TasksHeavy EquipmentProduction FloorHand ToolsTitaniumProduction ProcessCoil ChangesMicrometersNecessary Adjustments Education Bachelor's Degree General Studies2005 - 2008 Indiana University South Bend•South Bend, IN

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Cell Operator Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 12% of Cell Operators are proficient in Hand Tools, Math, and Quality Standards. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Cell Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Hand Tools, 12%
Operate overhead cranes-Used various hand tools to produce aluminum-Worked in extreme environmental conditions
Math, 10%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
Quality Standards, 8%
Ensured customer quality standards are achieved.
CNC, 8%
Serve as an Interior Doors Special Assemblies Builder, CNC Operator, Door Finisher and Packaging Specialist.
Calipers, 7%
Check parts with various calipers and other measuring tools as they came out of machine.
Micrometers, 6%
Used Calipers/Micrometers to gauge parts Preformed set ups and tear downs of machines

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Most cell operators list "hand tools," "math," and "quality standards" as skills on their resumes. We go into more details on the most important cell operator responsibilities here:

The most important skills for a cell operator to have in this position are communication skills. In this excerpt that we gathered from a cell operator resume, you'll understand why: "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material" According to resumes we found, communication skills can be used by a cell operator in order to "ensured highest quality product through constant observation and communication with the extrusion operators, quality staff, and management. "

Another trait important for fulfilling cell operator duties is coordination. According to a cell operator resume, "material moving machine operators should have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." Here's an example of how cell operators are able to utilize coordination: "meet productivity goals & quality standards- communicate in english, both verbal and written- good hand-eye coordination- attention to detail"

Mechanical skills is also an important skill for cell operators to have. This example of how cell operators use this skill comes from a cell operator resume, "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." Read this excerpt from a resume to understand how vital it is to their everyday roles and responsibilities, "removed and packaged parts off press line quality inspection removal and input of mechanical arms"

A cell operator responsibilities sometimes require "visual ability." The responsibilities that rely on this skills are shown by this resume excerpt: "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving" This resume example shows how this skill is used by cell operators: "perform buffing operations to remove visual imperfections beyond customer specifications. "

See the full list of cell operator skills.

We've found that 16.7% of cell operators have earned a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 2.6% earned their master's degrees before becoming a cell operator. While it's true that some cell operators have a college degree, it's generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every two cell operators did not spend the extra money to attend college.

Those cell operators who do attend college, typically earn either business degrees or general studies degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for cell operators include automotive technology degrees or computer science degrees.

When you're ready to become a cell operator, you might wonder which companies hire cell operators. According to our research through cell operator resumes, cell operators are mostly hired by HNI, Raytheon Technologies, and Acuity Brands. Now is a good time to apply as HNI has 14 cell operators job openings, and there are 13 at Raytheon Technologies and 11 at Acuity Brands.

If you're interested in companies where cell operators make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Cummins, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and HHMI. We found that at Cummins, the average cell operator salary is $46,087. Whereas at Bristol-Myers Squibb, cell operators earn roughly $44,839. And at HHMI, they make an average salary of $44,394.

View more details on cell operator salaries across the United States.

If you earned a degree from the top 100 educational institutions in the United States, you might want to take a look at ManpowerGroup, Verizon Communications, and Kelly Services. These three companies have hired a significant number of cell operators from these institutions.

For the most part, cell operators make their living in the manufacturing and professional industries. Cell operators tend to make the most in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770. The cell operator annual salary in the automotive and retail industries generally make $40,684 and $38,439 respectively. Additionally, cell operators who work in the technology industry make 11.0% more than cell operators in the manufacturing Industry.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious cell operators are:

HNI14 Cell Operators Jobs
Raytheon Technologies13 Cell Operators Jobs
Acuity Brands11 Cell Operators Jobs

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What Manufacturing Operators Do

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.

We looked at the average cell operator annual salary and compared it with the average of a manufacturing operator. Generally speaking, manufacturing operators receive $3,409 lower pay than cell operators per year.

Even though cell operators and manufacturing operators have vast differences in their careers, a few of the skills required to do both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, math, and quality standards in the day-to-day roles.

As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because a cell operator responsibility requires skills such as "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "safety regulations." Whereas a manufacturing operator is skilled in "basic math," "safety rules," "quality products," and "fda." So if you're looking for what truly separates the two careers, you've found it.

Manufacturing operators receive the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical industry coming in with an average yearly salary of $37,500. But cell operators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770.

Manufacturing operators tend to reach similar levels of education than cell operators. In fact, manufacturing operators are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of a Lining Machine Operator?

A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.

Now we're going to look at the lining machine operator profession. On average, lining machine operators earn a $1,653 lower salary than cell operators a year.

A similarity between the two careers of cell operators and lining machine operators are a few of the skills associated with both roles. We used resumes from both professions to find that both use skills like "quality standards," "cnc," and "safety procedures. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, cell operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers." Meanwhile, a lining machine operator might be skilled in areas such as "basic math," "safety rules," "pallet jack," and "production schedules." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Lining machine operators may earn a lower salary than cell operators, but lining machine operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $39,210. On the other side of things, cell operators receive higher paychecks in the technology industry where they earn an average of $41,770.

On the topic of education, lining machine operators earn similar levels of education than cell operators. In general, they're 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How a Handle Machine Operator Compares

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.

The third profession we take a look at is handle machine operator. On an average scale, these workers bring in lower salaries than cell operators. In fact, they make a $8,268 lower salary per year.

Using cell operators and handle machine operators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skills such as "quality standards," "cnc," and "safety procedures," but the other skills required are very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers are a few of the skills necessary to fulfill responsibilities. Some examples from cell operator resumes include skills like "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers," whereas a handle machine operator might be skilled in "forklifts," "cranes," "production lines," and "customer orders. "

Interestingly enough, handle machine operators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $34,314. As mentioned previously, cell operators highest annual salary comes from the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770.

Handle machine operators typically study at similar levels compared with cell operators. For example, they're 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Production Operator

Now, we'll look at production operators, who generally average a lower pay when compared to cell operators annual salary. In fact, the difference is about $2,681 per year.

While both cell operators and production operators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like hand tools, math, and quality standards, the two careers also vary in other skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a cell operator might have more use for skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "cell culture." Meanwhile, some production operators might include skills like "basic math," "safety rules," "customer service," and "data entry" on their resume.

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The manufacturing industry tends to pay more for production operators with an average of $37,865. While the highest cell operator annual salary comes from the technology industry.

The average resume of production operators showed that they earn similar levels of education to cell operators. So much so that the likelihood of them earning a Master's Degree is 0.8% less. Additionally, they're less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.

Updated October 2, 2020