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Manufacturing leader vs line leader

The differences between manufacturing leaders and line 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 manufacturing leader and a line leader. Additionally, a manufacturing leader has an average salary of $89,761, which is higher than the $36,217 average annual salary of a line leader.

The top three skills for a manufacturing leader include lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and GMP. The most important skills for a line leader are continuous improvement, customer service, and safety procedures.

Manufacturing leader vs line leader overview

Manufacturing LeaderLine Leader
Yearly salary$89,761$36,217
Hourly rate$43.15$17.41
Growth rate--
Number of jobs87,299130,588
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a manufacturing leader do?

A manufacturing leader or production leader is someone who takes charge of the manufacturer's production process. Manufacturing leaders plan, organize, and establish a recommendation for manufacturing strategies. They make sure that products are successfully developed based on the specifications. They supervise the teams working in product development and operations. It is part of their job to ensure great production management. They study successes and failures and emphasize growth. Also, they inspire and engage staff at every level of the manufacturing process.

What does a line leader do?

Production line leaders or production team leaders typically work in the manufacturing industry. These leaders undertake both mental and physical work, including filing reports and paperwork, helping in order completion, and managing production assembly lines. They physically contain construction materials to ensure correct handling. Also, they oversee the varying activities within the organization or department. Among their tasks include inventory control, data entry, and product quality.

Manufacturing leader vs line leader salary

Manufacturing leaders and line leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manufacturing LeaderLine Leader
Average salary$89,761$36,217
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $126,000Between $23,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CityNew Brunswick, NJBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMassachusetts
Best paying companyWestern DigitalMicrosoft
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between manufacturing leader and line leader education

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

Manufacturing LeaderLine Leader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Manufacturing leader vs line leader demographics

Here are the differences between manufacturing leaders' and line leaders' demographics:

Manufacturing LeaderLine Leader
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 79.7% Female, 20.3%Male, 57.0% Female, 43.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 4.7% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between manufacturing leader and line leader duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage the non-conformance records and coordinate with QA on keeping performances metrics up to date and post in the work cell.
  • Manage and develop associates base on organizational and developmental needs/conduct monthly one-on-ones with each employee to provide guidance and leadership.
  • Create wiring schematics for custom jobs for PLC wiring.
  • Maintain the smooth flow of work through the shop and troubleshoot any issues.
  • Run, setup, troubleshoot, and maintain coil fed presses and progressive dies.
  • Verify and update NC programming for Allen-Bradly and Omron PLC driven high-speed conveyor systems.
  • Show more

Line leader example responsibilities.

  • Lead Kaizen event to establish best practices for estimating methodology and reporting templates.
  • Manage and develop associates base on organizational and developmental needs/conduct monthly one-on-ones with each employee to provide guidance and leadership.
  • Gain knowledge of USDA, OSHA, HACCP, VPP, and ISO regulations and requirements within a manufacturing environment.
  • Walk with QA and USDA around floor to ensure are that all areas are up to standards and ready for production.
  • Used SMT to place capacitors onto PCB.
  • Develop and maintain a safe manufacturing environment by assuring compliance with OSHA and CFR applicable as company policies.
  • Show more

Manufacturing leader vs line leader skills

Common manufacturing leader skills
  • Lean Manufacturing, 11%
  • Continuous Improvement, 8%
  • GMP, 6%
  • Harvest, 5%
  • Sigma, 4%
  • Value Stream, 4%
Common line leader skills
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 6%
  • Assembly Line, 5%
  • GMP, 4%

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