Manufacturing operator vs operator

The differences between manufacturing operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a manufacturing operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Manufacturing operator vs operator overview

	Manufacturing Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$34,457	$37,928
Hourly rate	$16.57	$18.23
Growth rate	2%	7%
Number of jobs	97,656	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	46	43
Years of experience	2	4

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 an operator do?

Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.

Manufacturing operator vs operator salary

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

	Manufacturing Operator	Operator
Average salary	$34,457	$37,928
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $43,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Fort Collins, CO	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Wyoming	North Dakota
Best paying company	DuPont	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Technology

Differences between manufacturing operator and operator education

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

	Manufacturing Operator	Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	-

Manufacturing operator vs operator demographics

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

	Manufacturing Operator	Operator
Average age	46	43
Gender ratio	Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	6%	4%

Differences between manufacturing operator and 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

Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

Show more

Manufacturing operator vs operator skills

Common manufacturing operator skills

Basic Math, 8%
GMP, 8%
Math, 7%
Hand Tools, 6%
Lean Manufacturing, 5%
Safety Rules, 4%

Common operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

Manufacturing Operator vs. similar jobs

Manufacturing Operator related careers

Manufacturing Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z