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What does a manufacturing operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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.

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Manufacturing operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real manufacturing operator resumes:

  • 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.
  • Operate coating machinery, which coats paper with adhesive in the manufacturing process of tape.
  • Design an improve CIP system for the bacteria process tanks, leading to a significant reduction in cross-contamination.
  • Monitor the daily activity of chemical processes and procedures and chemical tanks by way of a DCS computerize system.
  • Add neutralizing agents to neutralizer tanks and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.
  • Operate and control centrifuge, dryers, reactors, scales, pumps, valves, forklifts, and other process-intensive equipment.
  • Participate in FDA regulatory inspections and internal audits.
  • Operate multiple printing and bindery machines UV roll coat machine/cutter/ink jet/stitcher
  • Control plant parameters utilizing various DCS systems and older analog controllers.
  • Train and utilize BPCS inventory software facilitating accurate data for FDA audits.

Manufacturing operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Manufacturing Operators are proficient in Basic Math, GMP, and Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Mechanical skills, and Physical strength.

We break down the percentage of Manufacturing Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Basic Math, 8%

    Performed basic math calculations, identified basic functional problems and took corrective action.

  • GMP, 8%

    Performed production operations within clean room environment while following strict GMP regulations, and documenting all actions performed.

  • Math, 7%

    Solve math equations quickly and accurately without calculator.

  • Hand Tools, 6%

    Assembled cellular telephones and battery packs for cellular telephones using hand tools and automated machines.

  • Lean Manufacturing, 5%

    Contract employee in a Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma facility producing Piezoelectric Components.

  • Safety Rules, 4%

    Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating, and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

"basic math," "gmp," and "math" are among the most common skills that manufacturing operators use at work. You can find even more manufacturing operator responsibilities below, including:

Color vision. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a manufacturing operator to have is color vision. Their role and responsibilities require that "workers must be able to blend new paint colors in order to match existing colors on a surface." Manufacturing operators often use color vision in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "grade products according to government fda regulations or according to type, color, and moisture content. "

Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling manufacturing operator duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "workers must be able to operate and maintain sprayers that apply paints and coatings." According to a manufacturing operator resume, here's how manufacturing operators can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "performed assemblies of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical products at prescribed quality and production standards; in accordance with iso procedures. "

Physical strength. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of manufacturing operators is physical strength. This skill is critical to many everyday manufacturing operator duties, as "workers may need to lift heavy objects." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "meet medical and physical requirements for ppe used in manufacturing. "

See the full list of manufacturing operator skills

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Compare different manufacturing operators

Manufacturing operator vs. Assembly operator

In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also perform regular maintenance checks on machines and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it is essential to observe an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a structured and smooth workflow.

If we compare the average manufacturing operator annual salary with that of an assembly operator, we find that assembly operators typically earn a $2,529 lower salary than manufacturing operators make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between manufacturing operators and assembly operators are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like basic math, gmp, and math.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, manufacturing operator responsibilities require skills like "safety rules," "good communication," "ppe," and "osha." Meanwhile a typical assembly operator has skills in areas such as "troubleshoot," "assembly operations," "continuous improvement," and "assembly process." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Assembly operators really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $34,880. Comparatively, manufacturing operators tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $37,500.The education levels that assembly operators earn slightly differ from manufacturing operators. In particular, assembly operators are 2.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a manufacturing operator. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing operator vs. Extrusion operator

An extrusion operator is also sometimes called a drawing machine operator. They control and monitor machines that shape thermoplastic materials for industries such as aerospace manufacturing, general plastics manufacturing, and automobile and auto parts manufacturing. An extrusion operator sets up and operates a machine following established procedures, guidelines, and customer requirement. Mechanical skills are the very foundation of being an extrusion operator. An extrusion operator also needs physical strength, stamina, computer skills, and critical thinking skills.

Extrusion operator positions earn higher pay than manufacturing operator roles. They earn a $2,114 higher salary than manufacturing operators per year.A few skills overlap for manufacturing operators and extrusion operators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "basic math," "math," and "hand tools. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, manufacturing operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "gmp," "safety rules," "quality products," and "fda." Meanwhile, an extrusion operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "extrusion machine," "extrusion equipment," "extruders," and "product quality." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Extrusion operators earn a higher average salary than manufacturing operators. But extrusion operators earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $40,020. Additionally, manufacturing operators earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $37,500 annually.extrusion operators earn similar levels of education than manufacturing operators in general. They're 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing operator vs. Cell operator

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.

On average, cell operators earn higher salaries than manufacturing operators, with a $3,409 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on manufacturing operators and cell operators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "gmp," "math," and "hand tools.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from manufacturing operator resumes include skills like "basic math," "safety rules," "quality products," and "fda," whereas a cell operator is more likely to list skills in "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "safety regulations. "

Cell operators earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $41,770. Manufacturing operators earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $37,500.Most cell operators achieve a similar degree level compared to manufacturing operators. For example, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing operator vs. Process operator

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Process operators average a higher salary than the annual salary of manufacturing operators. The difference is about $3,539 per year.While their salaries may vary, manufacturing operators and process operators both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "basic math," "gmp," and "math. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between manufacturing operators and process operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a manufacturing operator might have more use for skills like "hand tools," "lean manufacturing," "dexterity," and "osha." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of process operators require skills like "preventative maintenance," "team-oriented environment," "ladders," and "customer service. "

The manufacturing industry tends to pay the highest salaries for process operators, with average annual pay of $40,847. Comparatively, the highest manufacturing operator annual salary comes from the pharmaceutical industry.The average resume of process operators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to manufacturing operators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.0%.

Types of manufacturing operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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