Lead operator vs 3rd shift supervisor

The differences between lead operators and 3rd 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 3rd shift supervisor. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $32,932 average annual salary of a 3rd shift supervisor.

The top three skills for a lead operator include customer service, HR and process improvement. The most important skills for a 3rd shift supervisor are customer service, basic math, and pallet jack.

Lead operator vs 3rd shift supervisor overview

	Lead Operator	3rd Shift Supervisor
Yearly salary	$88,429	$32,932
Hourly rate	$42.51	$15.83
Growth rate	7%	-
Number of jobs	87,338	129,192
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 36%
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 3rd shift supervisor do?

A 3rd shift supervisor is responsible for monitoring the operations and staff performance of a specific shift. 3rd shift supervisors strategize on effective business techniques to maximize staff's productivity and improve customers' experience. They also analyze sales reports, resolve discrepancies, and identify business opportunities that would generate more resources for revenues and increase the company's profitability. A 3rd shift supervisor addresses customers' inquiries and concerns, as well as resolving their complaints about services timely and accurately.

Lead operator vs 3rd shift supervisor salary

Lead operators and 3rd shift supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Lead Operator	3rd Shift Supervisor
Average salary	$88,429	$32,932
Salary range	Between $54,000 And $142,000	Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Wyoming
Best paying company	Meta	Clark County
Best paying industry	Technology	Transportation

Differences between lead operator and 3rd shift supervisor education

There are a few differences between a lead operator and a 3rd shift supervisor in terms of educational background:

	Lead Operator	3rd Shift Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Lead operator vs 3rd shift supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between lead operators' and 3rd shift supervisors' demographics:

	Lead Operator	3rd Shift Supervisor
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%	Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5%
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, 12.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between lead operator and 3rd 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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3rd shift supervisor example responsibilities.

Accomplish successful TDS inspections quarterly for sanitation as required by the FDA.
Train and achieve USG certification for stainless steel, common steel MIG, aluminum MIG, and TIG common.
Be come proficient with RF scanners and computers.
Help trouble shoot any production problem or QA problem on shift.
Ensure a safe working environment in accordance with OSHA and company guidelines.
Direct staff with proper PPE to handle blood borne spills and proper chemicals.

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Lead operator vs 3rd 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 3rd shift supervisor skills

Customer Service, 14%
Basic Math, 6%
Pallet Jack, 5%
Cleanliness, 5%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%

Lead Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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