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Line operator vs packaging operator

The differences between line operators and packaging operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line operator has an average salary of $34,520, which is higher than the $34,269 average annual salary of a packaging operator.

The top three skills for a line operator include preventative maintenance, PPE and basic math. The most important skills for a packaging operator are basic math, math, and GMP.

Line operator vs packaging operator overview

Line OperatorPackaging Operator
Yearly salary$34,520$34,269
Hourly rate$16.60$16.48
Growth rate7%-
Number of jobs137,12785,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a line operator do?

A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.

What does a packaging operator do?

The primary job of a packaging operator is to take the finished product and ensure that it is packaged based on the company and industry standards. You will be responsible for operating the machinery used in packaging and conducting routine inspection and preventative equipment maintenance. Other duties include product labeling, troubleshooting equipment issues on time to prevent delays, and completing packaging orders on time. As a packaging operator, you are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational policies.

Line operator vs packaging operator salary

Line operators and packaging operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Line OperatorPackaging Operator
Average salary$34,520$34,269
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $43,000Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityGrand Forks, NDGrand Forks, ND
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaNorth Dakota
Best paying companyBDNestlé
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between line operator and packaging operator education

There are a few differences between a line operator and a packaging operator in terms of educational background:

Line OperatorPackaging Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Line operator vs packaging operator demographics

Here are the differences between line operators' and packaging operators' demographics:

Line OperatorPackaging Operator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 67.6% Female, 32.4%Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between line operator and packaging operator duties and responsibilities

Line operator example responsibilities.

  • Follow safety procedures, including but not limit to, wearing proper PPE, lock-out/tag-out, and HAZMAT.
  • Weld various models of Honda car seats.
  • Operate foam line for assembly of Toyota Tacoma car seats.
  • Work the assembly line building car door frames for Chrysler.
  • Work in high volume production setting, sewing seat covers for Toyota vehicles.
  • Wear all PPE while manually draining and cleaning of all dip tanks and stations after shift or when production quality lessen.
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Packaging operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
  • Print, inspect and fill iv bags.
  • Use of calipers and plug gauge for machine measuring.
  • Print and complete all paperwork according to DEA regulations.
  • Fill iv bags with solution clean very sanitary place.
  • Participate in basic ISO training for all hourly and salary employees.
  • Show more

Line operator vs packaging operator skills

Common line operator skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • PPE, 9%
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Extrusion, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Assembly Line, 5%
Common packaging operator skills
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • GMP, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
  • Pallets, 4%

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