Production scheduler vs planner

The differences between production schedulers and planners 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 scheduler and a planner. Additionally, a planner has an average salary of $63,161, which is higher than the $49,367 average annual salary of a production scheduler.

The top three skills for a production scheduler include customer service, MRP and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a planner are customer service, exceptional client, and logistics.

Production scheduler vs planner overview

	Production Scheduler	Planner
Yearly salary	$49,367	$63,161
Hourly rate	$23.73	$30.37
Growth rate	-3%	4%
Number of jobs	64,551	15,269
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	45	42
Years of experience	2	2

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.

What does a planner do?

As the name entails, planners assist in creating a broad vision for a community. They conduct research, design, and advanced programs. Some of them focus on a few roles, such as planning transportation, while some will most likely work at different planning types throughout their profession. They develop a plan through data analysis, determine the project's goals or the community, and form a specific vision. They also identify the strategies to help the city realized its goals and vision.

Production scheduler vs planner salary

Production schedulers and planners have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Production Scheduler	Planner
Average salary	$49,367	$63,161
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $71,000	Between $45,000 And $88,000
Highest paying City	Richmond, VA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	California
Best paying company	Amphenol	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between production scheduler and planner education

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

	Production Scheduler	Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	University of Pennsylvania

Production scheduler vs planner demographics

Here are the differences between production schedulers' and planners' demographics:

	Production Scheduler	Planner
Average age	45	42
Gender ratio	Male, 54.3% Female, 45.7%	Male, 54.4% Female, 45.6%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	11%	13%

Differences between production scheduler and planner duties and responsibilities

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 ,

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Planner example responsibilities.

Develop and managing the database for CDBG applicants.
Key role in managing and planning projects from sketch to approve plans.
Manage creation of replenishment loads (purchase or DRP) that are optimize to minimize logistical costs.
Assist with forecasting machines, accessories, and coffee with various departments in order to achieve monthly KPI's.
Develop and manage all types of inventory from finish goods, WIP (work in process) to raw material.
Manage RFQ process - gather quotations, examine bids with engineering and management, negotiate prices with suppliers and make awards.

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Production scheduler vs planner skills

Common production scheduler skills

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

Common planner skills

Customer Service, 13%
Exceptional Client, 8%
Logistics, 8%
Project Management, 6%
Excellent Interpersonal, 4%
Strong Analytical, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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