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Lead operator/machine operator vs cell operator

The differences between lead operator/machine operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead operator/machine operator has an average salary of $39,819, which is higher than the $37,866 average annual salary of a cell operator.

The top three skills for a lead operator/machine operator include safety procedures, machine operators and quality standards. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Lead operator/machine operator vs cell operator overview

Lead Operator/Machine OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$39,819$37,866
Hourly rate$19.14$18.20
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs162,37666,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4443
Years of experience--

What does a lead operator/machine operator do?

A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems. They also identify the causes of the problem and determines the valued solutions. Other duties include maintaining the routine monitoring of equipment to ensure quality standards and examines the production equipment to evaluate the performance and if there are changes.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Lead operator/machine operator vs cell operator salary

Lead operator/machine operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead Operator/Machine OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$39,819$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $53,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CABothell, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyGoogleCummins
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between lead operator/machine operator and cell operator education

There are a few differences between a lead operator/machine operator and a cell operator in terms of educational background:

Lead Operator/Machine OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead operator/machine operator vs cell operator demographics

Here are the differences between lead operator/machine operators' and cell operators' demographics:

Lead Operator/Machine OperatorCell Operator
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 77.9% Female, 22.1%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between lead operator/machine operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

Lead operator/machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and troubleshoot a variety of different heavy machinery.
  • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
  • Follow proper GMP practices, OSHA standards, and other company policies.
  • Assure accordance with ISO, OSHA, and FDA regulations.
  • Work closely with QA to insure all bottle measurements are correct.
  • Insure that all associates have proper PPE, and correct tools.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Lead operator/machine operator vs cell operator skills

Common lead operator/machine operator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 13%
  • Machine Operators, 8%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • CNC, 6%
  • Safety Rules, 5%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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