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Line operator vs relief operator

The differences between line operators and relief operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a relief operator has an average salary of $42,693, which is higher than the $34,520 average annual salary of a line operator.

The top three skills for a line operator include preventative maintenance, PPE and basic math. The most important skills for a relief operator are food safety, CIP, and PPE.

Line operator vs relief operator overview

Line OperatorRelief Operator
Yearly salary$34,520$42,693
Hourly rate$16.60$20.53
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs137,12764,469
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 46%
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 relief operator do?

A relief operator job depends on the institution or organization. Their main jobs include examining, measuring, and weighing materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices such as rulers, micrometers, or scales. Their additional responsibilities include maintaining regular contact and communication with customers to resolve concerns, issues, and complaints.

Line operator vs relief operator salary

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

Line OperatorRelief Operator
Average salary$34,520$42,693
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $43,000Between $36,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityGrand Forks, NDHutchinson, KS
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaKansas
Best paying companyBDNestlé
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between line operator and relief operator education

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

Line OperatorRelief Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Line operator vs relief operator demographics

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

Line OperatorRelief Operator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 67.6% Female, 32.4%Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 6.6% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between line operator and relief 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.
  • Show more

Relief operator example responsibilities.

  • Run and maintain production machinery while following all company GMP's and safety policies.
  • Utilize chemicals for clean-ups, always following MSDS instructions and wearing proper PPE at all times.
  • Perform work in specialize chemical/acid resistant PPE with SCBA, chemical resistant heat suits, inline air and escape packs.
  • Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.
  • Perform routine verification of equipment when unloading autoclaves and setting up aseptic filling machines.

Line operator vs relief operator skills

Common line operator skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • PPE, 9%
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Extrusion, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Assembly Line, 5%
Common relief operator skills
  • Food Safety, 18%
  • CIP, 11%
  • PPE, 7%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • CDL, 6%

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