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Production operator vs cell operator

The differences between production operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, which is higher than the $35,185 average annual salary of a production operator.

The top three skills for a production operator include basic math, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Production operator vs cell operator overview

Production OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$35,185$37,866
Hourly rate$16.92$18.20
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs117,25466,532
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a production operator do?

A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Production operator vs cell operator salary

Production operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Production OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$35,185$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $44,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityBellevue, WABothell, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyBDCummins
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between production operator and cell operator education

There are a few differences between a production operator and a cell operator in terms of educational background:

Production OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Production operator vs cell operator demographics

Here are the differences between production operators' and cell operators' demographics:

Production OperatorCell Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 67.7% Female, 32.3%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between production operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

Production operator example responsibilities.

  • Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
  • Operate stitching machine for all check bindery.
  • Break down freight onto production line, label/tot, Rf scan guns
  • Cut and inspect sheets, verify laser etching, and circuit test etched sheets.
  • Operate CNC machine, parts washer, and quality testing of parts prior to shipping.
  • Handle daily flow of paper work of production for company's records and for FDA records.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Production operator vs cell operator skills

Common production operator skills
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Math, 6%
  • Quality Checks, 5%
  • Quality Standards, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%
  • GMP, 4%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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