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The differences between finisher operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a finisher operator and an operator. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Finisher Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,406 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $17.02 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 77,850 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Finisher operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Finisher Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,406 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Horsham, PA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Elanco | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a finisher operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Finisher Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between finisher operators' and operators' demographics:
| Finisher Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |