Packaging inspector vs packaging operator

The differences between packaging inspectors and packaging operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a packaging operator has an average salary of $34,269, which is higher than the $32,968 average annual salary of a packaging inspector.

The top three skills for a packaging inspector include package product, GMP and FDA. The most important skills for a packaging operator are basic math, math, and GMP.

Packaging inspector vs packaging operator overview

	Packaging Inspector	Packaging Operator
Yearly salary	$32,968	$34,269
Hourly rate	$15.85	$16.48
Growth rate	-3%	-
Number of jobs	24,020	85,698
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	-	-

Packaging inspector vs packaging operator salary

Packaging inspectors and packaging operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Packaging Inspector	Packaging Operator
Average salary	$32,968	$34,269
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Stratford, CT	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	Colorado	North Dakota
Best paying company	Nation Pizza	Nestlé
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between packaging inspector and packaging operator education

There are a few differences between a packaging inspector and a packaging operator in terms of educational background:

	Packaging Inspector	Packaging Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Packaging inspector vs packaging operator demographics

Here are the differences between packaging inspectors' and packaging operators' demographics:

	Packaging Inspector	Packaging Operator
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0%	Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 7.7% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	5%

Differences between packaging inspector and packaging operator duties and responsibilities

Packaging inspector example responsibilities.

Utilize micrometers and other precision measuring devices to assure appropriate quality and size of finish products per customer specifications.
Disassemble and reassemble machinery in preparation for CIP.

Packaging operator example responsibilities.

Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
Print, inspect and fill iv bags.
Use of calipers and plug gauge for machine measuring.
Print and complete all paperwork according to DEA regulations.
Fill iv bags with solution clean very sanitary place.
Participate in basic ISO training for all hourly and salary employees.

Packaging inspector vs packaging operator skills

Common packaging inspector skills

Package Product, 19%
GMP, 11%
FDA, 10%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Quality Checks, 8%
Plastic Bottles, 6%

Common packaging operator skills

Basic Math, 9%
Math, 8%
GMP, 8%
Quality Checks, 5%
Safety Procedures, 4%
Pallets, 4%

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Packaging Inspector
Packaging Inspector vs Packaging Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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