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The differences between process technicians and manufacturing operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a process technician, becoming a manufacturing operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a process technician has an average salary of $39,462, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a process technician include basic math, patients and OSHA. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Process Technician | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,462 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $18.97 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,367 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A process technician is responsible for managing the equipment and machinery used for various industries, such as manufacturing and engineering. Process technicians must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on operating certain equipment types and making adjustments on its features as needed, depending on the needs of the operation. They also run diagnostic tests to check a machine's working condition to ensure that it's free of any inconsistencies. A process technician also helps develop structure methods by communicating with the technical team and escalating all defective findings to the supervisor.
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.
Process technicians and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Technician | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,462 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $51,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | HP | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a process technician and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Technician | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between process technicians' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Process Technician | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 7.6% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 6% |