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The differences between manufacturing leaders and manufacturing operators 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 manufacturing operator. Additionally, a manufacturing leader has an average salary of $89,761, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a manufacturing leader include lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and GMP. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Manufacturing Leader | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $89,761 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $43.15 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,299 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Manufacturing leaders and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Leader | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $89,761 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $126,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing leader and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Leader | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between manufacturing leaders' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Manufacturing Leader | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |