Planner/scheduler vs project scheduler

The differences between planner/schedulers and project 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 project scheduler. Additionally, a project scheduler has an average salary of $85,491, which is higher than the $71,955 average annual salary of a planner/scheduler.

The top three skills for a planner/scheduler include customer service, production schedules and MRP. The most important skills for a project scheduler are project management, primavera p6, and project controls.

Planner/scheduler vs project scheduler overview

	Planner/Scheduler	Project Scheduler
Yearly salary	$71,955	$85,491
Hourly rate	$34.59	$41.10
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	22,279	17,065
Job satisfaction	3	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
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 project scheduler do?

A project scheduler is responsible for organizing and managing project schedules, including meetings, appointments, and other related activities involved in the operational production. Project schedulers coordinate with clients and business partners to inform them of the schedule, respond to their inquiries and concerns, and take note of their availability, especially on cancellations and reschedules. They also perform administrative and clerical tasks as needed, such as writing meeting reports, updating clients' information on the database, operating the scheduling management system software, and evaluating progress reports and project deadlines.

Planner/scheduler vs project scheduler salary

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

	Planner/Scheduler	Project Scheduler
Average salary	$71,955	$85,491
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $105,000	Between $61,000 And $118,000
Highest paying City	Alameda, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	BP America Inc	AstraZeneca
Best paying industry	Energy	Professional

Differences between planner/scheduler and project scheduler education

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

	Planner/Scheduler	Project Scheduler
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Planner/scheduler vs project scheduler demographics

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

	Planner/Scheduler	Project Scheduler
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 65.3% Female, 34.7%	Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2%
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, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between planner/scheduler and project 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.

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Project scheduler example responsibilities.

Manage WIP at outside vendors to ensure the timely completion of orders and desire priorities are achieve.
Manage multiple fee pools (CPFF, CPAF, and CPIF).
Deliver assets and manage QA segment for creative team
Make purchase requisitions in MAXIMO program, inventory, accounts payable and manage budget.
Manage daily ERP requirements for work order release to the manufacturing floor to ensure on-time delivery.
Manage logistics activities with suppliers and carry out plans to gather, box and ship material for overseas projects.

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Planner/scheduler vs project scheduler skills

Common planner/scheduler skills

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

Common project scheduler skills

Project Management, 10%
Primavera P6, 8%
Project Controls, 6%
Microsoft Project, 5%
Work Breakdown Structure, 4%
Scheduling Software, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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