Lead operator vs 2nd shift supervisor

The differences between lead operators and 2nd shift supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a lead operator and a 2nd shift supervisor. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $34,465 average annual salary of a 2nd shift supervisor.

The top three skills for a lead operator include customer service, HR and process improvement. The most important skills for a 2nd shift supervisor are customer service, continuous improvement, and pallets.

Lead operator vs 2nd shift supervisor overview

	Lead Operator	2nd Shift Supervisor
Yearly salary	$88,429	$34,465
Hourly rate	$42.51	$16.57
Growth rate	7%	-
Number of jobs	87,338	145,604
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does a lead operator do?

Lead operators are responsible for the direction and supervision of the day-to-day activities in facilities. As machine operators, they control machines and take charge of industrial operations. They handle and move objects, monitor processes, and inspect materials, structures, and equipment. Also, they may serve as mentors for the new production employees concerning occupational health and safety. They must be skilled in safety procedures, heavy equipment, preventive maintenance, and other things related to machine operations.

What does a 2nd shift supervisor do?

A 2nd shift supervisor is responsible for supporting the operations of a department, managing the staff's performance, and assisting the team in achieving maximum productivity. They provide high-quality services for the customers by responding to their inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints. They also implement strategic procedures to achieve production goals, as well as identifying business opportunities that would drive more revenue resources and profits for the company. A 2nd shift supervisor also assists in handling the department's budget, ensuring adequate allocation to support operations.

Lead operator vs 2nd shift supervisor salary

Lead operators and 2nd shift supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Lead Operator	2nd Shift Supervisor
Average salary	$88,429	$34,465
Salary range	Between $54,000 And $142,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Wyoming
Best paying company	Meta	BD
Best paying industry	Technology	Automotive

Differences between lead operator and 2nd shift supervisor education

There are a few differences between a lead operator and a 2nd shift supervisor in terms of educational background:

	Lead Operator	2nd Shift Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Lead operator vs 2nd shift supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between lead operators' and 2nd shift supervisors' demographics:

	Lead Operator	2nd Shift Supervisor
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%	Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between lead operator and 2nd shift supervisor duties and responsibilities

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.

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2nd shift supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage 2nd shift plant operations for a contract packager specializing in products regulate by both the FDA and DEA.
Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
Certify in first aid & CPR.
Make sure work areas stay safe with the use of PPE.
Accompany the MSHA inspectior/s on regular inspection visits.
Promote GMP environment and make sure GMP standards are being meet.

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Lead operator vs 2nd shift supervisor skills

Common lead operator skills

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

Common 2nd shift supervisor skills

Customer Service, 10%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
Pallets, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Work Ethic, 5%
Safety Procedures, 4%

Lead Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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