Production operator vs production worker

The differences between production operators and production workers 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 $30,847 average annual salary of a production worker.

The top three skills for a production operator include basic math, math and quality checks. The most important skills for a production worker are production process, safety procedures, and assembly line.

Production operator vs production worker overview

	Production Operator	Production Worker
Yearly salary	$35,185	$30,847
Hourly rate	$16.92	$14.83
Growth rate	7%	-
Number of jobs	117,254	136,584
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	43	43
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 production worker do?

Production workers are employees who are usually seen in an assembly line in a company's factory. They are responsible for a specific part of the production of goods for the company. They ensure that production processes are being followed. Production workers are required to be efficient, detail-oriented, and organized. They should be able to uphold the quality standards set by the company and should be able to conduct quality control checks. Should they be working alongside machines, and they must know how to operate the machine as well as maintain it. Production workers should also be familiar with occupational safety and health guidelines and must be able to follow policies and procedures in place.

Production operator vs production worker salary

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

	Production Operator	Production Worker
Average salary	$35,185	$30,847
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $24,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Bellevue, WA	Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Washington
Best paying company	BD	BD
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Automotive

Differences between production operator and production worker education

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

	Production Operator	Production Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Production operator vs production worker demographics

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

	Production Operator	Production Worker
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3%	Male, 56.3% Female, 43.7%
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, 10.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between production operator and production worker 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.

Production worker example responsibilities.

Manage and instruct workers in the art of food preparation as culinary team leader.
Require to know safe food practices like HACCP, and knowing USDA and FDA guidelines when handling and storing foods.
Use scribers, dividers, and squares to mark dimensions on material.
Produce glace, demi-glace and elite culinary sauces.
Handle parts that run off conveyors and are send for painting.
Operate large grinders, run high heat ovens, inspect and paint parts, packaging.

Production operator vs production worker skills

Common production operator skills

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

Common production worker skills

Production Process, 15%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Assembly Line, 10%
Basic Math, 10%
Quality Standards, 6%
Pallet Jack, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Production Operator
Production Operator vs Production Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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