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The differences between packaging operators and manufacturing operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manufacturing operator has an average salary of $34,457, 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 manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Packaging Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,269 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $16.48 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 85,698 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| 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.
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Packaging operators and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Packaging Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,269 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a packaging operator and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Packaging Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between packaging operators' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Packaging Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |