Lead operator vs process operator

The differences between lead operators and process 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 a process operator. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.

The top three skills for a lead operator include customer service, HR and process improvement. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Lead operator vs process operator overview

	Lead Operator	Process Operator
Yearly salary	$88,429	$37,996
Hourly rate	$42.51	$18.27
Growth rate	7%	3%
Number of jobs	87,338	83,478
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 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 process operator do?

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Lead operator vs process operator salary

Lead operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Lead Operator	Process Operator
Average salary	$88,429	$37,996
Salary range	Between $54,000 And $142,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Wyoming
Best paying company	Meta	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between lead operator and process operator education

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

	Lead Operator	Process Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Lead operator vs process operator demographics

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

	Lead Operator	Process Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between lead operator and process operator 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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Process operator example responsibilities.

Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.

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Lead operator vs process operator skills

Common lead operator skills

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

Common process operator skills

Safety Procedures, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
Ladders, 5%
Customer Service, 4%
Data Entry, 4%

Lead Operator vs. similar jobs

Lead Operator related careers

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Updated January 8, 2025

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