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The differences between process operators and packaging operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a process operator has an average salary of $37,996, which is higher than the $34,269 average annual salary of a packaging operator.
The top three skills for a process operator include safety procedures, preventative maintenance and team-oriented environment. The most important skills for a packaging operator are basic math, math, and GMP.
| Process Operator | Packaging Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,996 | $34,269 |
| Hourly rate | $18.27 | $16.48 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 83,478 | 85,698 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
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.
Process operators and packaging operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Operator | Packaging Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,996 | $34,269 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a process operator and a packaging operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Operator | Packaging Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between process operators' and packaging operators' demographics:
| Process Operator | Packaging Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 59.7% Female, 40.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |