Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between finisher operators and manufacturing operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a finisher operator, becoming a manufacturing operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a finisher operator has an average salary of $35,406, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a finisher operator include hand tools, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Finisher Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,406 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $17.02 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 77,850 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 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.
Finisher operators and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Finisher Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,406 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Horsham, PA | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Elanco | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a finisher operator and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Finisher Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between finisher operators' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Finisher Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |