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Production operator vs process operator

The differences between production operators and process operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a process operator has an average salary of $37,996, 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 process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Production operator vs process operator overview

Production OperatorProcess Operator
Yearly salary$35,185$37,996
Hourly rate$16.92$18.27
Growth rate7%3%
Number of jobs117,25483,478
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4346
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 process operator do?

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Production operator vs process operator salary

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

Production OperatorProcess Operator
Average salary$35,185$37,996
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $44,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityBellevue, WAGrand Forks, ND
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWyoming
Best paying companyBDBWX Technologies
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between production operator and process operator education

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

Production OperatorProcess Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Production operator vs process operator demographics

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

Production OperatorProcess Operator
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 67.7% Female, 32.3%Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between production operator and process 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

Process operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
  • Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
  • Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
  • Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
  • Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.
    • Show more

Production operator vs process operator skills

Common production operator skills
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Math, 6%
  • Quality Checks, 5%
  • Quality Standards, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%
  • GMP, 4%
Common process operator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
  • Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Data Entry, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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