Production operator vs process plant operator

The differences between production operators and process plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a process plant operator has an average salary of $41,902, 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 plant operator are plant operations, plant process, and minor maintenance.

Production operator vs process plant operator overview

	Production Operator	Process Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$35,185	$41,902
Hourly rate	$16.92	$20.15
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	117,254	61,085
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age	43	47
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 plant operator do?

Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.

Production operator vs process plant operator salary

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

	Production Operator	Process Plant Operator
Average salary	$35,185	$41,902
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $28,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Bellevue, WA	-
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	-
Best paying company	BD	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between production operator and process plant operator education

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

	Production Operator	Process Plant Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Production operator vs process plant operator demographics

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

	Production Operator	Process Plant Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%	Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3%
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, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	11%

Differences between production operator and process plant 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.

Process plant operator example responsibilities.

Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Move to the assembly department building electrical panels, installing electrical panels, installing various electrical devices on new centrifuges.
Batch SCC, Shotcrete and other loads to client specifications.

Production operator vs process plant operator skills

Common production operator skills

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

Common process plant operator skills

Plant Operations, 30%
Plant Process, 10%
Minor Maintenance, 9%
Plant Equipment, 7%
OSHA, 7%
Continuous Operation, 6%

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Production Operator
Production Operator vs Process Plant Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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