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Manufacturing Associate Vs Production Line Worker

The differences between manufacturing associates and production line workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manufacturing associate has an average salary of $34,830, which is higher than the $28,844 average annual salary of a production line worker.

The top three skills for a manufacturing associate include basic math, cell culture and math. The most important skills for a production line worker are assembly line, pallet jack, and safety guidelines.

Manufacturing associate vs production line worker overview

Manufacturing AssociateProduction Line Worker
Yearly Salary$34,830$28,844
Hourly rate$16.75$13.87
Growth Rate3%-
Number Of Jobs55,540123,921
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 54%
Average Age3838
Years Of Experience--

What does a Manufacturing Associate do?

Manufacturing associates typically have varied duties and responsibilities. These include preparing materials and equipment for production, operating manufacturing equipment such as washers, and maintaining material inventory. In addition, they are responsible for inspecting purchased equipment, parts, and components, and participating in process investigations. They also review and execute documents related to manufacturing and determine any problems in the manufacturing process. To become a successful manufacturing associate, you should have skills in good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliance, aseptic processing, and biotechnology.

What does a production line worker do?

A production worker is responsible for operating equipment and machinery to support the production process with the highest efficiency and maximum operational performance. Production workers regularly inspect the condition of the machinery, reporting any defects and malfunctions which affect the production process for immediate repairs or replacement. They also conduct quality checks for finished products before release to ensure customer satisfaction and avoid any delays on shipment. A production worker must always adhere to safety standards and protocols set by the management to prevent hazards in the production area.

Manufacturing associate vs production line worker salary

Manufacturing associates and production line workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manufacturing AssociateProduction Line Worker
Average Salary$34,830$28,844
Salary RangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $23,000 And $35,000
Highest Paying CityBillerica, MASeattle, WA
Highest Paying StateNorth DakotaWashington
Best Paying CompanyDanaherAnomatic
Best Paying IndustryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between manufacturing associate and production line worker education

There are a few differences between a manufacturing associate and a production line worker in terms of educational background:

Manufacturing AssociateProduction Line Worker
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 54%
Most Common MajorBiologyBusiness
Most Common College--

Manufacturing associate vs production line worker demographics

Here are the differences between manufacturing associates' and production line workers' demographics:

Manufacturing AssociateProduction Line Worker
Average Age3838
Gender RatioMale, 60.2% Female, 39.8%Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2%
Race RatioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 4.5% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between manufacturing associate and production line worker duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing Associate Example Responsibilities.

  • Lead WIP management by controlling manufacturing inventory and managing material repair outsourcing.
  • Develop system for tracking, managing, and disposition of test PCB assemblies.
  • Perform adjustments to CIP equipment and run computer programs in order to automate the cleaning and sanitizing of the equipment.
  • Automate lines require quick responses & manual dexterity with absolute errorless perfection.
  • Lift and wrapped finish windows.
  • Record data, perform math calculations when need.
  • Show More

Production Line Worker Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage and instruct workers in the art of food preparation as culinary team leader.
  • Inspect food and area to be up to code with FDA.
  • Build all size windows for different companies.
  • Wear appropriate PPE for the job being perform.
  • Maintain sanitized workspaces, remaining compliant with local, state and FDA guidelines.
  • Train new employees the procedures and protocol of the company and USDA guidelines.
  • Show More

Manufacturing associate vs production line worker skills

Common Manufacturing Associate Skills
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Cell Culture, 6%
  • Math, 6%
  • Production Equipment, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
Common Production Line Worker Skills
  • Assembly Line, 22%
  • Pallet Jack, 12%
  • Safety Guidelines, 12%
  • Machine Operators, 7%
  • Quality Checks, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%

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