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The differences between finisher operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a finisher operator has an average salary of $35,406, which is higher than the $34,520 average annual salary of a line operator.
The top three skills for a finisher operator include hand tools, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.
| Finisher Operator | Line Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,406 | $34,520 |
| Hourly rate | $17.02 | $16.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 77,850 | 137,127 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
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.
A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.
Finisher operators and line operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Finisher Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,406 | $34,520 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Horsham, PA | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Elanco | BD |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a finisher operator and a line operator in terms of educational background:
| Finisher Operator | Line Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between finisher operators' and line operators' demographics:
| Finisher Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |