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Production assistant vs factory worker

The differences between production assistants and factory workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a production assistant has an average salary of $33,405, which is higher than the $29,343 average annual salary of a factory worker.

The top three skills for a production assistant include video production, teleprompter and audio board. The most important skills for a factory worker are line assembly, production process, and safety regulations.

Production assistant vs factory worker overview

Production AssistantFactory Worker
Yearly salary$33,405$29,343
Hourly rate$16.06$14.11
Growth rate-5%-
Number of jobs51,905106,768
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does a production assistant do?

Production assistants are employees in show business, working behind the scenes. They work in film, television, or even theatre sets primarily to provide support. They usually work directly under directors or producers. Production assistants are responsible for ensuring that the day will run smoothly, be it for a television or film shoot or a performance at the theatre. They should be familiar with all the scenes, ensure that the cast and crew are ready, and cue them when it is their time to go on. They should also be able to anticipate needs that may arise and should be able to quickly mitigate any challenges. Production assistants should be flexible and have quick decision-making skills.

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.

Production assistant vs factory worker salary

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

Production AssistantFactory Worker
Average salary$33,405$29,343
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $44,000Between $22,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityBristol, CTSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyNational Football LeagueUPS
Best paying industryManufacturingAutomotive

Differences between production assistant and factory worker education

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

Production AssistantFactory Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorCommunicationBusiness
Most common college--

Production assistant vs factory worker demographics

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

Production AssistantFactory Worker
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 53.4% Female, 46.6%Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 6.5% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%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 production assistant and factory worker duties and responsibilities

Production assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer accounts using Quickbooks.
  • Manage cross-departmental communication and collaboration to increase ESPN viewers.
  • Manage QA process including test/debug cycles and platform compliance/compatibility testing.
  • Manage all office aspects including general administrative duties and assisting with staff payroll.
  • Manage client photography house accounts and submissions, including calculating usage rights and licensing royalty-free and rights-manage images.
  • Manage and refine the metadata system for a photography database -communicate with customers over e-mail with regards to advertisement proofs
  • 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

Production assistant vs factory worker skills

Common production assistant skills
  • Video Production, 18%
  • Teleprompter, 7%
  • Audio Board, 7%
  • Purchase Orders, 4%
  • Production Equipment, 4%
  • Photography, 4%
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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