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The differences between packaging operators and assistant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $34,269 average annual salary of a packaging operator.
The top three skills for a packaging operator include basic math, math and GMP. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.
| Packaging Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,269 | $37,607 |
| Hourly rate | $16.48 | $18.08 |
| Growth rate | - | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 85,698 | 88,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 44 | 50 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
The primary job of a packaging operator is to take the finished product and ensure that it is packaged based on the company and industry standards. You will be responsible for operating the machinery used in packaging and conducting routine inspection and preventative equipment maintenance. Other duties include product labeling, troubleshooting equipment issues on time to prevent delays, and completing packaging orders on time. As a packaging operator, you are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational policies.
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.
Packaging operators and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Packaging Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,269 | $37,607 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $28,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a packaging operator and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:
| Packaging Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between packaging operators' and assistant operators' demographics:
| Packaging Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 5% | 6% |