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.
Production operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real production operator resumes:
- 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.
- Participate in KAIZEN teams to enforce and promote high quality product and facilitate supply chain process.
- Maintain and inspect compliance of gown for a clean room environment class 1000 (GMP's).
- Lead a pilot line using new machines and processes implement from kaizen events to a successful launch to market.
- Position and secure require work pieces on machines, utilizing holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools and hoists.
- Participate in work group receiving notification for being a safe work environment by completing safety checks and proper use of PPE.
- Employ a wide variety of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring interments and electronic testing devices.
- Ensured/Monitore operator safety precautions and PPE.
- Demonstrate ability to deal with potentially combative patients.
- Work with micro/chemistry/color laboratory to ensure product cleanliness and usability.
Production operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Production Operators are proficient in Basic Math, Math, and Quality Checks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Production Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Basic Math, 7%
Perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions).
- Math, 6%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
- Quality Checks, 5%
Maintained quality checks in accordance with company standards; accurately filling out hourly inspection sheets based on overall production quality.
- Quality Standards, 4%
Worked as a production process operator maintaining great quality standards of different electronic boards, inspecting and soldering when necessary.
- Hand Tools, 4%
Responsibilities-assembled car parts for Chrysler-operated small hand tools & big machinery-inspect all substrates-cleaned work area-stocked warehouse
- GMP, 4%
Completed GMP certification for Chemical Production Operator.
Most production operators use their skills in "basic math," "math," and "quality checks" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential production operator responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a production operator to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Production operators often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked with team to ensure iso 9002 level by identified and effectively communication problems. "
Coordination. Many production operator duties rely on coordination. "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely," so a production operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways production operator responsibilities rely on coordination: "maintained overall coordination of the production lines. "
Mechanical skills. production operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to production operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." A production operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "assist with mechanical setup, line clearance, and close out work orders on production lines. "
Visual ability. production operator responsibilities often require "visual ability." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." This resume example shows what production operators do with visual ability on a typical day: "conduct periodic visual checks of process equipment and performing minor maintenance and repairs as needed. "
The three companies that hire the most production operators are:
- Aerotek157 production operators jobs
- Land O'Lakes104 production operators jobs
- Raymond96 production operators jobs
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Compare different production operators
Production operator vs. Assembly operator
In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also perform regular maintenance checks on machines and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it is essential to observe an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a structured and smooth workflow.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a production operator are more likely to require skills like "safety rules," "customer service," "data entry," and "work ethic." On the other hand, a job as an assembly operator requires skills like "troubleshoot," "assembly operations," "continuous improvement," and "assembly process." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Assembly operators tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,880. In contrast, production operators make the biggest average salary, $37,865, in the manufacturing industry.assembly operators tend to reach similar levels of education than production operators. In fact, assembly operators are 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Production operator vs. Cell operator
A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real production operator resumes. While production operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "basic math," "safety rules," "customer service," and "data entry," cell operators use skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "cell culture."
On average, cell operators earn a higher salary than production operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, cell operators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770. Whereas production operators have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,865.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Cell operators tend to reach similar levels of education than production operators. In fact, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production operator vs. Saw operator
Saw operators are responsible for setting up and operating power saws to slot, cut, and trim metallic and non-metallic materials. They are the ones who choose and install blades on machinery using hand-tools and verify dimensions of finished material using measuring devices. They may perform additional tasks such as loading saws and monitoring sawing operations, and replacing damaged or worn saw blades. Saw operators are also responsible for recording data on production reports and assisting staff with the maintenance and repair of saw equipment.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a production operator is likely to be skilled in "gmp," "safety rules," "production equipment," and "customer service," while a typical saw operator is skilled in "tape measure," "aluminum," "overhead cranes," and "band saws."
Saw operators make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $36,227. On the other hand, production operators are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $37,865.When it comes to education, saw operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to production operators. In fact, they're 1.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Production operator vs. Molder operator
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
Types of production operator
Updated January 8, 2025
