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Packaging operator vs cell operator

The differences between packaging operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, 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 a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Packaging operator vs cell operator overview

Packaging OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$34,269$37,866
Hourly rate$16.48$18.20
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs85,69866,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4443
Years of experience--

What does a packaging operator do?

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.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Packaging operator vs cell operator salary

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

Packaging OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$34,269$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $42,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityGrand Forks, NDBothell, WA
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaWashington
Best paying companyNestléCummins
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between packaging operator and cell operator education

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

Packaging OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Packaging operator vs cell operator demographics

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

Packaging OperatorCell Operator
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 59.7% Female, 40.3%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between packaging operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Packaging operator vs cell operator skills

Common packaging operator skills
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • GMP, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
  • Pallets, 4%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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