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Product development assistant vs manufacturing associate

The differences between product development assistants and manufacturing associates 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 $34,830 average annual salary of a manufacturing associate.

The top three skills for a product development assistant include tech packs, PLM and data entry. The most important skills for a manufacturing associate are basic math, cell culture, and math.

Product development assistant vs manufacturing associate overview

Product Development AssistantManufacturing Associate
Yearly salary$56,426$34,830
Hourly rate$27.13$16.75
Growth rate19%3%
Number of jobs110,49655,540
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
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 manufacturing associate do?

Manufacturing associates typically have varied duties and responsibilities. These include preparing materials and equipment for production, operating manufacturing equipment such as washers, and maintaining material inventory. In addition, they are responsible for inspecting purchased equipment, parts, and components, and participating in process investigations. They also review and execute documents related to manufacturing and determine any problems in the manufacturing process. To become a successful manufacturing associate, you should have skills in good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliance, aseptic processing, and biotechnology.

Product development assistant vs manufacturing associate salary

Product development assistants and manufacturing associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Product Development AssistantManufacturing Associate
Average salary$56,426$34,830
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $78,000Between $26,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City-Billerica, MA
Highest paying state-North Dakota
Best paying company-Danaher
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between product development assistant and manufacturing associate education

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

Product Development AssistantManufacturing Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorSpecialized Sales And MerchandisingBiology
Most common college--

Product development assistant vs manufacturing associate demographics

Here are the differences between product development assistants' and manufacturing associates' demographics:

Product Development AssistantManufacturing Associate
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 22.8% Female, 77.2%Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8%
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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between product development assistant and manufacturing associate 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

Manufacturing associate example responsibilities.

  • Lead WIP management by controlling manufacturing inventory and managing material repair outsourcing.
  • Develop system for tracking, managing, and disposition of test PCB assemblies.
  • Perform adjustments to CIP equipment and run computer programs in order to automate the cleaning and sanitizing of the equipment.
  • Automate lines require quick responses & manual dexterity with absolute errorless perfection.
  • Lift and wrapped finish windows.
  • Record data, perform math calculations when need.
  • Show more

Product development assistant vs manufacturing associate skills

Common product development assistant skills
  • Tech Packs, 10%
  • PLM, 8%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • WIP, 6%
  • Overseas Vendors, 6%
  • Product Specifications, 5%
Common manufacturing associate skills
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Cell Culture, 6%
  • Math, 6%
  • Production Equipment, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%

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