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What is a lead shop operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a lead shop operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.1 an hour? That's $31,418 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLead Shop OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,418

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 2.96%

Black or African American 10.63%

Hispanic or Latino 19.90%

Unknown 4.75%

White 60.99%

Gender

female 26.00%

male 74.00%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.4

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lead shop operator

  1. Explore lead shop operator education requirements

    Most common lead shop operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    38.4 %

    Bachelor's

    31.2 %

    Associate

    16.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific lead shop operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CNC32.55%
    FDA14.09%
    Pro Shop11.95%
    CDL9.95%
    Shop Operations7.37%
  3. Complete relevant lead shop operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead shop operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead shop operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead shop operator resumes.
  4. Research lead shop operator duties and responsibilities

    • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
    • Lead compression shift of twenty-one operators and supporting staff in daily operations of manufacturing generic prescription medications in a GMP setting.
    • Provide leadership to formulate a share vision.
    • Implement a stewardship plan to leverage board and leadership involvement.
  5. Apply for lead shop operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lead shop operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lead shop operator job

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Average lead shop operator salary

The average lead shop operator salary in the United States is $31,418 per year or $15 per hour. Lead shop operator salaries range between $26,000 and $37,000 per year.

Average lead shop operator salary
$31,418 Yearly
$15.10 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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