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Media center assistant vs assistant operator

The differences between media center assistants and assistant 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 media center assistant and an assistant operator. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $31,047 average annual salary of a media center assistant.

The top three skills for a media center assistant include patients, basic math and CPR. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.

Media center assistant vs assistant operator overview

Media Center AssistantAssistant Operator
Yearly salary$31,047$37,607
Hourly rate$14.93$18.08
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs68,23688,093
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age5050
Years of experience22

What does a media center assistant do?

A media center assistant is typically in charge of performing support tasks to maintain a smooth workflow in media centers. They often participate in planning and executing media projects and programs, process documentation, answer inquiries, manage the project and team members' schedules, conduct research and analysis, disseminate information, and liaise with internal and external parties. Furthermore, as an assistant, it is essential to monitor the progress of all operations while regularly reporting to managers and supervisors.

What does an assistant operator do?

The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.

Media center assistant vs assistant operator salary

Media center assistants and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Media Center AssistantAssistant Operator
Average salary$31,047$37,607
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $44,000Between $28,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityGardena, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiConnecticut
Best paying companyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryEducationEnergy

Differences between media center assistant and assistant operator education

There are a few differences between a media center assistant and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:

Media Center AssistantAssistant Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Media center assistant vs assistant operator demographics

Here are the differences between media center assistants' and assistant operators' demographics:

Media Center AssistantAssistant Operator
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 32.4% Female, 67.6%Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between media center assistant and assistant operator duties and responsibilities

Media center assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage ALC interactive exhibition operations including ALC staff and guest services, gallery prep/maintenance and inventory of art materials.
  • Analyze print ads to ensure they run in accordance to the submitted proposal.
  • Inventory, assist with ordering new material, cataloging new material, cash handling.
  • Type or enter all book or magazine information in the appropriate format for cataloging and retrieval.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, including coordinating tutoring services, tutoring mathematics, planning events, etc.
  • Organize book-shelf, toys, and activity center to ensure cleanliness and operational use for next business day functions.
  • Show more

Assistant operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage proper removal and allocation for full yarn spindles.
  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Maintain current MSHA training requirements.
  • Coordinate special movement of ISO tanks.
  • Certify in MSHA hard-rock mine safety.
  • Maintain spinning/winding machines by putting idle spindles and cones back into production.
  • Show more

Media center assistant vs assistant operator skills

Common media center assistant skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Data Entry, 5%
Common assistant operator skills
  • Customer Service, 28%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Safety Committee, 6%
  • Quality Checks, 6%
  • PPE, 5%

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