Post job

Leader vs production leader

The differences between leaders and production leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a leader and a production leader. Additionally, a leader has an average salary of $86,964, which is higher than the $44,563 average annual salary of a production leader.

The top three skills for a leader include customer service, strong time management and excellent interpersonal. The most important skills for a production leader are customer service, continuous improvement, and safety procedures.

Leader vs production leader overview

LeaderProduction Leader
Yearly salary$86,964$44,563
Hourly rate$41.81$21.42
Growth rate10%-
Number of jobs172,293107,578
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a leader do?

Leaders pave the way for a company to achieve certain goals. They are in charge of bringing the organization to greater heights. They set the direction of the organization, much like how a captain sets the sails of the ship. They are responsible for coming up with main strategies and alternatives should there be challenges along the way. Leaders ensure that the company is guided by its vision and mission and that the employees emulate company values. They do so through leading by example. Leaders should have strategic skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills.

What does a production leader do?

A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with personnel, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, delegating tasks, setting the budget and goals, evaluating performances, and even training new members of the workforce. Furthermore, as a leader, it is essential to implement all policies and regulations set by the company to maintain a productive and safe work environment for everyone.

Leader vs production leader salary

Leaders and production leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

LeaderProduction Leader
Average salary$86,964$44,563
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $153,000Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityPortland, MENew York, NY
Highest paying stateMaineNew York
Best paying companyEli Lilly and CompanyMeta
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between leader and production leader education

There are a few differences between a leader and a production leader in terms of educational background:

LeaderProduction Leader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Leader vs production leader demographics

Here are the differences between leaders' and production leaders' demographics:

LeaderProduction Leader
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 49.8% Female, 50.2%Male, 70.6% Female, 29.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between leader and production leader duties and responsibilities

Leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage UNIX and mainframe systems software staff.
  • Achieve business metrics and implement WCM tools and processes.
  • Lead instrument calibration, OOS investigation, change control, deviation documentation to comply with GMP.
  • Lead a group to help a dog food producer to gain traction in the grocery store channel
  • Perform diagnostics, lead audits, kaizen events, value stream mapping, PDCA teams and employee involvement.
  • Lead in PTA efforts to recognize school staff by planning events and organize and plan monthly appreciation gifts.
  • Show more

Production leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage PC production line personnel.
  • Manage the operation of three alkalize systems from a PLC.
  • Manage employee's schedules, time off requests, vacation and payroll with the KRONOS time management software.
  • Maintain maximum yields in accordance with company policies and USDA food and safety guidelines.
  • Maintain the facilities organization, appearance, and cleanliness.
  • Operate and maintain general manufacturing equipment and perform production in accordance with QSR, ISO and establish written procedures.
  • Show more

Leader vs production leader skills

Common leader skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Strong Time Management, 9%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 7%
  • PET, 6%
  • Digital Transformation, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
Common production leader skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Continuous Improvement, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Production Process, 3%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs