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The differences between lead operators and assistant operators 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 an assistant operator. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $37,607 average annual salary of an assistant operator.
The top three skills for a lead operator include customer service, HR and process improvement. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.
| Lead Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $88,429 | $37,607 |
| Hourly rate | $42.51 | $18.08 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 87,338 | 88,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
Lead operators and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average salary | $88,429 | $37,607 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $142,000 | Between $28,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Meta | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a lead operator and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:
| Lead Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between lead operators' and assistant operators' demographics:
| Lead Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| 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, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |