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Finisher operator vs cell operator

The differences between finisher 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 $35,406 average annual salary of a finisher operator.

The top three skills for a finisher operator include hand tools, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Finisher operator vs cell operator overview

Finisher OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$35,406$37,866
Hourly rate$17.02$18.20
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs77,85066,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience4-

What does a finisher operator do?

A finisher operator finalizes a product. They put on the final layer of paint, stitching, engraving or cloth on the product to complete it. They may also restore furniture by fixing dents or discoloration. They are responsible for making sure that their equipment does not malfunction and making minor repairs. They assist in trimming, molding, packing, and transporting the final product, and they are also responsible for final quality control.

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.

Finisher operator vs cell operator salary

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

Finisher OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$35,406$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $44,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityHorsham, PABothell, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyElancoCummins
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between finisher operator and cell operator education

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

Finisher OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Finisher operator vs cell operator demographics

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

Finisher OperatorCell Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 69.4% Female, 30.6%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 2.5% White, 60.9% 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 Percentage4%5%

Differences between finisher operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

Finisher operator example responsibilities.

  • Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
  • Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, banding machines or hand tools.
  • Cross train in CIP validation.
  • Perform labor duties of concrete demolition.
  • Operate multiple CNC machines and shadow CNC programmers
  • Process parts for fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI/ NDT).
  • 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

Finisher operator vs cell operator skills

Common finisher operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Math, 9%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • Product Quality, 5%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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