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Production assembler vs assembly associate

The differences between production assemblers and assembly associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a production assembler has an average salary of $31,611, which is higher than the $29,234 average annual salary of an assembly associate.

The top three skills for a production assembler include hand tools, part numbers and assembly line. The most important skills for an assembly associate are hand tools, math, and basic math.

Production assembler vs assembly associate overview

Production AssemblerAssembly Associate
Yearly salary$31,611$29,234
Hourly rate$15.20$14.05
Growth rate--
Number of jobs73,93328,002
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a production assembler do?

An assembler is responsible for the arrangement of multiple parts to create an entirely new component, following the client's specifications or blueprint instructions. Assemblers must be able to interpret schematics well, as well as being able to operate mechanical equipment and hand tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the job. They should also monitor inventories and check the adequacy of supplies, verify the correct quantity of components, and inform the management of any needed assistance. An assembler must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to perform tasks under certain conditions.

What does an assembly associate do?

In manufacturing facilities, an assembly associate is responsible for assembling product components according to guidelines and diagrams. Their daily tasks often include preparing and processing products, operating machines, maintaining records, and adhering to schedules and production goals. They are also responsible for attending regular meetings and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas, discarding trash properly. Moreover, as an assembly associate, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers and adhere to the company's safety guidelines and policies.

Production assembler vs assembly associate salary

Production assemblers and assembly associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Production AssemblerAssembly Associate
Average salary$31,611$29,234
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $38,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityHillsboro, ORFargo, ND
Highest paying stateAlaskaOregon
Best paying companyFLIR SystemsGeneral Electric
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between production assembler and assembly associate education

There are a few differences between a production assembler and an assembly associate in terms of educational background:

Production AssemblerAssembly Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Production assembler vs assembly associate demographics

Here are the differences between production assemblers' and assembly associates' demographics:

Production AssemblerAssembly Associate
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 53.3% Female, 46.7%Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 9.1% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 9.1% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between production assembler and assembly associate duties and responsibilities

Production assembler example responsibilities.

  • Work with 40 plus team members per assembly line on a daily basis assembling world class top ISO 9000 certify gearboxes.
  • Assist management to ensure that ISO & OSHA standards are meet.
  • Assemble car parts on a production line for Toyota and other cars.
  • Utilize teamwork to safely test and troubleshoot systems and ensure all function as specified.
  • Assemble, troubleshoot, and test conveyor machines accurately, efficiently, and safely.
  • Install components to cabs, serial tags, rubber molding, windows and much more.
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Assembly associate example responsibilities.

  • Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
  • Follow OSHA and ISO standards.
  • Work with supervisors, technicians, and engineers to fix problems in systems, vehicles, and troubleshoot.
  • Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
  • Experience brazing, welding, operating a brake press and tow motor as well as working with galvanize steel.
  • Perform complete assembly of custom PLC controller and electrical panels.
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Production assembler vs assembly associate skills

Common production assembler skills
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • Part Numbers, 11%
  • Assembly Line, 11%
  • Safety Policies, 6%
  • Production Assembly, 5%
  • Dexterity, 5%
Common assembly associate skills
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Math, 11%
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Computer System, 7%
  • Electronic Components, 5%
  • Assembly Machines, 4%

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