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Pilot plant technician vs packaging technician

The differences between pilot plant technicians and packaging technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pilot plant technician has an average salary of $55,161, which is higher than the $35,973 average annual salary of a packaging technician.

The top three skills for a pilot plant technician include pilot plant equipment, safety procedures and GMP. The most important skills for a packaging technician are basic math, GMP, and math.

Pilot plant technician vs packaging technician overview

Pilot Plant TechnicianPackaging Technician
Yearly salary$55,161$35,973
Hourly rate$26.52$17.29
Growth rate9%3%
Number of jobs23,48564,859
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age4044
Years of experience4-

What does a pilot plant technician do?

Pilot plant technicians need relevant pilot plant experience or experience in a food manufacturing environment, as well as knowledge of operation and maintenance of pilot plant equipment. Paid salaries of $48K per year, those in this career are expected to operate experimental pilot plants, assist with experimental design, and develop new processes in chemical engineering and production.

What does a packaging technician do?

A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands. They discuss their product samples to the management team and adjust plans based on the requirements and suggestions. A packaging technician also considers the sales performance of the products to develop outputs that show high innovations, attracting customers to purchase the items, and generating more resources for revenues.

Pilot plant technician vs packaging technician salary

Pilot plant technicians and packaging technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pilot Plant TechnicianPackaging Technician
Average salary$55,161$35,973
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $70,000Between $28,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityBridgeport, CTMoorhead, MN
Highest paying stateConnecticutMinnesota
Best paying companyKoppersDairy Farmers of America
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between pilot plant technician and packaging technician education

There are a few differences between a pilot plant technician and a packaging technician in terms of educational background:

Pilot Plant TechnicianPackaging Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common majorChemistryBusiness
Most common collegeDuke University-

Pilot plant technician vs packaging technician demographics

Here are the differences between pilot plant technicians' and packaging technicians' demographics:

Pilot Plant TechnicianPackaging Technician
Average age4044
Gender ratioMale, 89.0% Female, 11.0%Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between pilot plant technician and packaging technician duties and responsibilities

Pilot plant technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing technical and regulatory site visits to the laboratory and interface with QA and RA on all vendor/regulatory audits.
  • Complete daily paperwork following FDA and HACCP guidelines
  • Assist engineers in testing and adjusting production requirements as needed to meet FDA specifications.
  • Perform high voltage cable installation, testing/replacing GFCI breakers, test/repair emergency lighting, test motors and troubleshoot HVAC units.
  • Perform QC manufacturing final inspection.
  • Operate and troubleshoot experimental projects with little supervision.
  • Show more

Packaging technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform machining, including but not limit to components using mills, lathes and surface grinders to accomplish repairs.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation to comply with FDA and GMP regulations
  • Operate equipment in compliance with company and OSHA standards.
  • Team member of various over-the-counter lines to prepare package from pill form to truck-ready, with respect to FDA requirements.
  • Package pharmaceuticals, maintain a sterile environment and ensure OSHA standards, work in the clean room and freezer areas.
  • Conduct maintenance to material grinders.
  • Show more

Pilot plant technician vs packaging technician skills

Common pilot plant technician skills
  • Pilot Plant Equipment, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • GMP, 8%
  • R, 6%
  • Lab Equipment, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
Common packaging technician skills
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • GMP, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%

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