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The differences between manufacturing supervisors 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 supervisor and a manufacturing operator. Additionally, a manufacturing supervisor has an average salary of $71,330, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a manufacturing supervisor include continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and safety regulations. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Manufacturing Supervisor | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $71,330 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $34.29 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 68,725 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A manufacturing supervisor is a management-level employee who takes responsibility for the daily operations of the production processes in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing supervisors execute different roles as sponsors, coaches, directors, counselors, and educators. They supervise staff, organize the production team, and monitor the overall workflow. There are necessary skills for this position, including adaptability, cooperation, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution. The supervisors are also expected to be skilled in mentorship and in making a sound decision.
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 supervisors and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Supervisor | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $71,330 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $92,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Boehringer Ingelheim | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing supervisor and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Supervisor | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between manufacturing supervisors' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Manufacturing Supervisor | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.7% Female, 16.3% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 4.4% White, 60.1% 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% |