Production operator vs manufacturing operator

The differences between production operators and manufacturing 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 $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.

The top three skills for a production operator include basic math, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.

Production operator vs manufacturing operator overview

	Production Operator	Manufacturing Operator
Yearly salary	$35,185	$34,457
Hourly rate	$16.92	$16.57
Growth rate	7%	2%
Number of jobs	117,254	97,656
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	-	2

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 manufacturing operator do?

A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

Production operator vs manufacturing operator salary

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

	Production Operator	Manufacturing Operator
Average salary	$35,185	$34,457
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Bellevue, WA	Fort Collins, CO
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Wyoming
Best paying company	BD	DuPont
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Pharmaceutical

Differences between production operator and manufacturing operator education

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

	Production Operator	Manufacturing Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Production operator vs manufacturing operator demographics

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

	Production Operator	Manufacturing Operator
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%	Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8%
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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between production operator and manufacturing 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.

Manufacturing operator example responsibilities.

Manage multiple large volume fermentation tanks simultaneously.
Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Prepare, coats and finishes metal and/or other surfaces.
Work inside sterile production room, class 10,000 and ISO 9000.
Experience and certify in handling chemicals with proper PPE acid gear.
Follow ISO work instructions to manufacture and convert high quality polishing pads.

Production operator vs manufacturing operator skills

Common production operator skills

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

Common manufacturing operator skills

Basic Math, 8%
GMP, 8%
Math, 7%
Hand Tools, 6%
Lean Manufacturing, 5%
Safety Rules, 4%

Production Operator vs. similar jobs

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Production Operator
Production Operator vs Manufacturing Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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