Launch operator vs lead operator

The differences between launch operators and lead 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 launch operator, becoming a lead operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $72,155 average annual salary of a launch operator.

The top three skills for a launch operator include boats, coast guard and GPS. The most important skills for a lead operator are customer service, HR, and process improvement.

Launch operator vs lead operator overview

	Launch Operator	Lead Operator
Yearly salary	$72,155	$88,429
Hourly rate	$34.69	$42.51
Growth rate	1%	7%
Number of jobs	30,437	87,338
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	42	46
Years of experience	4	2

Launch operator vs lead operator salary

Launch operators and lead operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Launch Operator	Lead Operator
Average salary	$72,155	$88,429
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $166,000	Between $54,000 And $142,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Meta
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between launch operator and lead operator education

There are a few differences between a launch operator and a lead operator in terms of educational background:

	Launch Operator	Lead Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Launch operator vs lead operator demographics

Here are the differences between launch operators' and lead operators' demographics:

	Launch Operator	Lead Operator
Average age	42	46
Gender ratio	Male, 74.3% Female, 25.7%	Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	11%	6%

Differences between launch operator and lead operator duties and responsibilities

Launch operator example responsibilities.

Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Lead operator example responsibilities.

Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen activities as well as managed the cost reduction activities from idea to implementation.
Contact potential REO listing brokers achieving the highest return call rate.
Create UAT scripts and utilize statistical process controls to manage loan process quality and ensure consistency.
Achieve goals in various metrics, from sales to plan, payroll, additional services, print center.
Manage and organize incoming records and publications for use on SharePoint.
Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.

Launch operator vs lead operator skills

Common launch operator skills

Boats, 32%
Coast Guard, 16%
GPS, 16%
Missile, 14%
Technical Knowledge, 8%
Routine Maintenance, 7%

Common lead operator skills

Customer Service, 18%
HR, 10%
Process Improvement, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
Safety Procedures, 4%

Launch Operator vs. similar jobs

Launch Operator related careers

Launch Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Launch Operator
Launch Operator vs Lead Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs