Production planning manager vs production scheduler

The differences between production planning managers and production schedulers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a production planning manager and a production scheduler. Additionally, a production planning manager has an average salary of $88,015, which is higher than the $49,367 average annual salary of a production scheduler.

The top three skills for a production planning manager include MRP, continuous improvement and ERP. The most important skills for a production scheduler are customer service, MRP, and continuous improvement.

Production planning manager vs production scheduler overview

	Production Planning Manager	Production Scheduler
Yearly salary	$88,015	$49,367
Hourly rate	$42.31	$23.73
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	68,989	64,551
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a production planning manager do?

A production planning manager is in charge of developing production plans in adherence to the company's budget and deadlines. It is their duty to identify the production needs and set objectives and guidelines that would usher employees into achieving a smooth and efficient workflow. They must also monitor the progress of daily production operations, resolving issues when they arise. Furthermore, as a production planning manager, it is essential to lead and encourage employees to meet production goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a production scheduler do?

A production scheduler is in charge of developing manufacturing schedules to achieve short and long term production goals. Their responsibilities typically revolve around performing research and analysis to understand the extent of all procedures, identifying the needs of clients, and devising strategies for optimal operations. They must also monitor the company's resources and workforce to ensure that everything runs smoothly in adherence to all schedules, making changes only when necessary. Furthermore, as a production scheduler, it is essential to encourage the workforce to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Production planning manager vs production scheduler salary

Production planning managers and production schedulers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Production Planning Manager	Production Scheduler
Average salary	$88,015	$49,367
Salary range	Between $63,000 And $121,000	Between $33,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	Menlo Park, CA	Richmond, VA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Virginia
Best paying company	Texas Instruments	Amphenol
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between production planning manager and production scheduler education

There are a few differences between a production planning manager and a production scheduler in terms of educational background:

	Production Planning Manager	Production Scheduler
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Production planning manager vs production scheduler demographics

Here are the differences between production planning managers' and production schedulers' demographics:

	Production Planning Manager	Production Scheduler
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%	Male, 54.3% Female, 45.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 7.4% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between production planning manager and production scheduler duties and responsibilities

Production planning manager example responsibilities.

Conduct a periodic audit of production WIP and ensure set targets are achieve.
Lead project team that own the supply chain implementation / transition from legacy ERP system to BPCS.
Manage and reduce inventory by deploying Kanban, consign and vendor-manage inventory.
Create and maintain ISO procedures.
Maintain WIP inventory in accordance with demand.
Assist engineering with correcting BOM deficiencies and cost outs.

Production scheduler example responsibilities.

Lead a Kaizen to improve efficiency and reduce non-value add work in the scheduling department.
Manage and purchase all MRO material inventory supplies for the production of automotive safety products.
Design, develop, and manage process of ordering and maintaining materials not migrate into ERP system.
Supervise NPI chip fulfillment process - manage wafer starts to meet internal qualification and board level build plan.
Generate prioritize schedules by manufacturing work centers base on MRP requirements, material availability, and capacity constraints.
Inventory reduction, JIT, OTD ,

Production planning manager vs production scheduler skills

Common production planning manager skills

MRP, 8%
Continuous Improvement, 7%
ERP, 6%
Logistics, 6%
Inventory Control, 5%
Lean Manufacturing, 4%

Common production scheduler skills

Customer Service, 12%
MRP, 7%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
ERP, 5%
Production Planning, 4%
Lean Manufacturing, 3%

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Production Planning Manager
Production Planning Manager vs Production Scheduler

Updated January 8, 2025

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