Production operator vs line operator

The differences between production operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a production operator has an average salary of $35,185, which is higher than the $34,520 average annual salary of a line operator.

The top three skills for a production operator include basic math, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.

Production operator vs line operator overview

	Production Operator	Line Operator
Yearly salary	$35,185	$34,520
Hourly rate	$16.92	$16.60
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	117,254	137,127
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	43	44
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 line operator do?

A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.

Production operator vs line operator salary

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

	Production Operator	Line Operator
Average salary	$35,185	$34,520
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Bellevue, WA	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	North Dakota
Best paying company	BD	BD
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between production operator and line operator education

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

	Production Operator	Line Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Production operator vs line operator demographics

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

	Production Operator	Line Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%	Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4%
Race ratio	Black 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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between production operator and line 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.

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Line operator example responsibilities.

Follow safety procedures, including but not limit to, wearing proper PPE, lock-out/tag-out, and HAZMAT.
Weld various models of Honda car seats.
Operate foam line for assembly of Toyota Tacoma car seats.
Work the assembly line building car door frames for Chrysler.
Work in high volume production setting, sewing seat covers for Toyota vehicles.
Wear all PPE while manually draining and cleaning of all dip tanks and stations after shift or when production quality lessen.

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Production operator vs line operator skills

Common production operator skills

Basic Math, 7%
Math, 6%
Quality Checks, 5%
Quality Standards, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%
GMP, 4%

Common line operator skills

Preventative Maintenance, 12%
PPE, 9%
Basic Math, 9%
Extrusion, 8%
Quality Checks, 7%
Assembly Line, 5%

Production Operator vs. similar jobs

Production Operator related careers

Production Operator related jobs

Production Operator jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

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