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Product development assistant vs factory worker

The differences between product development assistants and factory workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a product development assistant has an average salary of $56,426, which is higher than the $29,343 average annual salary of a factory worker.

The top three skills for a product development assistant include tech packs, PLM and data entry. The most important skills for a factory worker are line assembly, production process, and safety regulations.

Product development assistant vs factory worker overview

Product Development AssistantFactory Worker
Yearly salary$56,426$29,343
Hourly rate$27.13$14.11
Growth rate19%-
Number of jobs110,496106,768
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does a product development assistant do?

Product development assistants are required to possess communication and teamwork skills, as well as familiarity with computer drawing and drafting applications and drafting experience. They are usually called upon to create customer product manuals, conduct research into how to improve products, and the testing of new product prototypes.

What does a factory worker do?

A factory worker is responsible for manufacturing products using appropriate machinery and equipment. Factory workers' duties include processing the products based on the required quantity and specifications, labeling and safely packaging the merchandise, ensuring that the items are free of any defects before distribution, monitoring the supply inventories, reporting defected machines and equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the production area. A factory worker must have excellent time-management skills to produce high-quality products within a specific time frame.

Product development assistant vs factory worker salary

Product development assistants and factory workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Product Development AssistantFactory Worker
Average salary$56,426$29,343
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $78,000Between $22,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-UPS
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between product development assistant and factory worker education

There are a few differences between a product development assistant and a factory worker in terms of educational background:

Product Development AssistantFactory Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorSpecialized Sales And MerchandisingBusiness
Most common college--

Product development assistant vs factory worker demographics

Here are the differences between product development assistants' and factory workers' demographics:

Product Development AssistantFactory Worker
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 22.8% Female, 77.2%Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 24.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 49.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 5.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between product development assistant and factory worker duties and responsibilities

Product development assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage vendor and supplier communications, project deadlines, pricing negotiations, production and QA testing.
  • Prepare costing reports via PLM for management review.
  • Review overseas fabric quality and track status in PLM system.
  • Update WIP reports for department meetings with design and merchandising.
  • Create sketch books for all garments prior to market to facilitate sales.
  • Utilize FlexPLM to ensure accurate entry of color components from design generate BOM post style review.
  • Show more

Factory worker example responsibilities.

  • Assemble automotive windows for Honda and Toyota
  • Assemble HVAC systems & furnaces.
  • Perform landscaping, HVAC, assemble tanning beds, and other duties as assigned.
  • Assemble parts to mowers as line move, keep parts ready to assemble and cardboard and trash clear away.
  • Maintain seasonal grounds work, lawn mowing, trimming shrubs flowerbeds, spraying pesticides, and other landscaping elements.
  • Keep production areas in compliance with sanitation standards set by HACCP, FDA, USDA, and customer's requirements.
  • Show more

Product development assistant vs factory worker skills

Common product development assistant skills
  • Tech Packs, 10%
  • PLM, 8%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • WIP, 6%
  • Overseas Vendors, 6%
  • Product Specifications, 5%
Common factory worker skills
  • Line Assembly, 25%
  • Production Process, 19%
  • Safety Regulations, 18%
  • Pallet Jack, 8%
  • Temp Service, 5%
  • Quality Checks, 5%

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