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Master planner vs production scheduler

The differences between master planners and production schedulers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a master planner and a production scheduler. Additionally, a master planner has an average salary of $80,433, which is higher than the $49,367 average annual salary of a production scheduler.

The top three skills for a master planner include MRP, continuous improvement and program management. The most important skills for a production scheduler are customer service, MRP, and continuous improvement.

Master planner vs production scheduler overview

Master PlannerProduction Scheduler
Yearly salary$80,433$49,367
Hourly rate$38.67$23.73
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs26,86964,551
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

What does a master planner do?

A master planner is responsible for creating and implementing inventory and overseeing shipment master schedules. You will develop planning tools to obtain stakeholders' approval, and convey and liaise master production schedule to ensure schedule availability. Additionally, your role will require you to plan the calendar to ensure monthly updates to the master production schedule. You are also responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining the tools and techniques needed to evaluate the effect of proposed changes to the schedule.

What does a production scheduler do?

A production scheduler is in charge of developing manufacturing schedules to achieve short and long term production goals. Their responsibilities typically revolve around performing research and analysis to understand the extent of all procedures, identifying the needs of clients, and devising strategies for optimal operations. They must also monitor the company's resources and workforce to ensure that everything runs smoothly in adherence to all schedules, making changes only when necessary. Furthermore, as a production scheduler, it is essential to encourage the workforce to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Master planner vs production scheduler salary

Master planners and production schedulers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Master PlannerProduction Scheduler
Average salary$80,433$49,367
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $102,000Between $33,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CARichmond, VA
Highest paying stateWashingtonVirginia
Best paying companyHuntsmanAmphenol
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between master planner and production scheduler education

There are a few differences between a master planner and a production scheduler in terms of educational background:

Master PlannerProduction Scheduler
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Master planner vs production scheduler demographics

Here are the differences between master planners' and production schedulers' demographics:

Master PlannerProduction Scheduler
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 64.9% Female, 35.1%Male, 54.3% Female, 45.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 7.4% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between master planner and production scheduler duties and responsibilities

Master planner example responsibilities.

  • Supervise NPI chip fulfillment process - manage wafer starts to meet internal qualification and board level build plan.
  • Enter sales orders into JD Edwards (MRP) system and assign work order with sales order.
  • Generate daily status reports for managers, create and distribute WIP report on MRB/RMA materials per department.
  • Decrease WIP inventory, improve response to retail demand changes, drive inventory cost reductions and decreases in returns.
  • Develop all turnaround lift plans, monitor / track subcontractor QA/QC, adherence to design/industry specifications and all safety performance.
  • Forecast DRP shipments by brand, size, source points.
  • Show more

Production scheduler example responsibilities.

  • Lead a Kaizen to improve efficiency and reduce non-value add work in the scheduling department.
  • Manage and purchase all MRO material inventory supplies for the production of automotive safety products.
  • Design, develop, and manage process of ordering and maintaining materials not migrate into ERP system.
  • Supervise NPI chip fulfillment process - manage wafer starts to meet internal qualification and board level build plan.
  • Generate prioritize schedules by manufacturing work centers base on MRP requirements, material availability, and capacity constraints.
  • Inventory reduction, JIT, OTD ,
  • Show more

Master planner vs production scheduler skills

Common master planner skills
  • MRP, 6%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Program Management, 6%
  • On-Time Delivery, 5%
  • Logistics, 5%
  • Master Plan, 4%
Common production scheduler skills
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • MRP, 7%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • ERP, 5%
  • Production Planning, 4%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 3%

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