Post job

Manufacturing operator vs cell operator

The differences between manufacturing operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.

The top three skills for a manufacturing operator include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Manufacturing operator vs cell operator overview

Manufacturing OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$34,457$37,866
Hourly rate$16.57$18.20
Growth rate2%7%
Number of jobs97,65666,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4643
Years of experience2-

What does a manufacturing operator do?

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.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Manufacturing operator vs cell operator salary

Manufacturing operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manufacturing OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$34,457$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $43,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityFort Collins, COBothell, WA
Highest paying stateWyomingWashington
Best paying companyDuPontCummins
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalTechnology

Differences between manufacturing operator and cell operator education

There are a few differences between a manufacturing operator and a cell operator in terms of educational background:

Manufacturing OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Manufacturing operator vs cell operator demographics

Here are the differences between manufacturing operators' and cell operators' demographics:

Manufacturing OperatorCell Operator
Average age4643
Gender ratioMale, 69.2% Female, 30.8%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between manufacturing operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage multiple large volume fermentation tanks simultaneously.
  • Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
  • Prepare, coats and finishes metal and/or other surfaces.
  • Work inside sterile production room, class 10,000 and ISO 9000.
  • Experience and certify in handling chemicals with proper PPE acid gear.
  • Follow ISO work instructions to manufacture and convert high quality polishing pads.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Manufacturing operator vs cell operator skills

Common manufacturing operator skills
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • GMP, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 5%
  • Safety Rules, 4%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs