Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between production assistants and manufacturing associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manufacturing associate has an average salary of $34,830, which is higher than the $33,405 average annual salary of a production assistant.
The top three skills for a production assistant include video production, teleprompter and audio board. The most important skills for a manufacturing associate are basic math, cell culture, and math.
| Production Assistant | Manufacturing Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $33,405 | $34,830 |
| Hourly rate | $16.06 | $16.75 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 51,905 | 55,540 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
Production assistants and manufacturing associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Assistant | Manufacturing Associate | |
| Average salary | $33,405 | $34,830 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bristol, CT | Billerica, MA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | National Football League | Danaher |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a production assistant and a manufacturing associate in terms of educational background:
| Production Assistant | Manufacturing Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Communication | Biology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between production assistants' and manufacturing associates' demographics:
| Production Assistant | Manufacturing Associate | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |