Planner/scheduler vs production scheduler

The differences between planner/schedulers and production schedulers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a planner/scheduler and a production scheduler. Additionally, a planner/scheduler has an average salary of $71,955, which is higher than the $49,367 average annual salary of a production scheduler.

The top three skills for a planner/scheduler include customer service, production schedules and MRP. The most important skills for a production scheduler are customer service, MRP, and continuous improvement.

Planner/scheduler vs production scheduler overview

	Planner/Scheduler	Production Scheduler
Yearly salary	$71,955	$49,367
Hourly rate	$34.59	$23.73
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	22,279	64,551
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a planner/scheduler do?

The duties of a planner/scheduler depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In a manufacturing setting, their responsibilities revolve around creating different schedules for projects, production, releases, contracts, and other deliverables, ensuring everyone's adherence by regular reminders and inspections. Typically, they are also responsible for devising strategies for optimizing operations, coordinating with other skilled professionals to develop controls, maintaining records of all schedules and other necessary documentation, and implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a production scheduler do?

A production scheduler is in charge of developing manufacturing schedules to achieve short and long term production goals. Their responsibilities typically revolve around performing research and analysis to understand the extent of all procedures, identifying the needs of clients, and devising strategies for optimal operations. They must also monitor the company's resources and workforce to ensure that everything runs smoothly in adherence to all schedules, making changes only when necessary. Furthermore, as a production scheduler, it is essential to encourage the workforce to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Planner/scheduler vs production scheduler salary

Planner/schedulers and production schedulers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Planner/Scheduler	Production Scheduler
Average salary	$71,955	$49,367
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $105,000	Between $33,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	Alameda, CA	Richmond, VA
Highest paying state	California	Virginia
Best paying company	BP America Inc	Amphenol
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between planner/scheduler and production scheduler education

There are a few differences between a planner/scheduler and a production scheduler in terms of educational background:

	Planner/Scheduler	Production Scheduler
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Planner/scheduler vs production scheduler demographics

Here are the differences between planner/schedulers' and production schedulers' demographics:

	Planner/Scheduler	Production Scheduler
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 65.3% Female, 34.7%	Male, 54.3% Female, 45.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 7.4% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between planner/scheduler and production scheduler duties and responsibilities

Planner/scheduler example responsibilities.

Review maintenance backlog and identify work to be accomplish along with PMs and assist in establishing priorities.
Design, implement and manage MFCY J2's USG, DOD, Interagency and IC external engagement strategy.
Coordinate and manage high visibility and important customer BOM changes.
Act as interface between sales/project managers, engineering, manufacturing operations, purchasing and inventory control / logistics.
Conduct plant wide safety training per OSHA.
Create detail WBS structures and task charge numbers assign budgets.

Production scheduler example responsibilities.

Lead a Kaizen to improve efficiency and reduce non-value add work in the scheduling department.
Manage and purchase all MRO material inventory supplies for the production of automotive safety products.
Design, develop, and manage process of ordering and maintaining materials not migrate into ERP system.
Supervise NPI chip fulfillment process - manage wafer starts to meet internal qualification and board level build plan.
Generate prioritize schedules by manufacturing work centers base on MRP requirements, material availability, and capacity constraints.
Inventory reduction, JIT, OTD ,

Planner/scheduler vs production scheduler skills

Common planner/scheduler skills

Customer Service, 9%
Production Schedules, 5%
MRP, 5%
Preventive Maintenance, 4%
CMMS, 4%
Logistics, 4%

Common production scheduler skills

Customer Service, 12%
MRP, 7%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
ERP, 5%
Production Planning, 4%
Lean Manufacturing, 3%

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Planner/Scheduler vs Production Scheduler

Updated January 8, 2025

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