Service planner vs production scheduler

The differences between service planners 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 service planner and a production scheduler. Additionally, a service planner has an average salary of $56,421, which is higher than the $49,367 average annual salary of a production scheduler.

The top three skills for a service planner include customer complaints, data entry and customer service. The most important skills for a production scheduler are customer service, MRP, and continuous improvement.

Service planner vs production scheduler overview

	Service Planner	Production Scheduler
Yearly salary	$56,421	$49,367
Hourly rate	$27.13	$23.73
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	15,435	64,551
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a service planner do?

The duties of a service planner depend on their place or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities include performing market research and analysis, gathering and analyzing customer data and feedback, liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, establishing guidelines and timelines, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They must also monitor the progress of operations from planning to execution, resolving problems should any arise. Moreover, a service planner usually works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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.

Service planner vs production scheduler salary

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

	Service Planner	Production Scheduler
Average salary	$56,421	$49,367
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $78,000	Between $33,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Richmond, VA
Highest paying state	California	Virginia
Best paying company	LinkedIn	Amphenol
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between service planner and production scheduler education

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

	Service Planner	Production Scheduler
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Service planner vs production scheduler demographics

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

	Service Planner	Production Scheduler
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 44.5% Female, 55.5%	Male, 54.3% Female, 45.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.0% 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 service planner and production scheduler duties and responsibilities

Service planner example responsibilities.

Create budgets, select sites, negotiate contracts, manage logistics, oversee food and beverage, and coordinate vendors
Generate MRP on a monthly basis; run weekly selective MRP to include any addition requirements receive.
Review inventory and plan releases for assign accounts using customer's spreadsheets, EDI or MRP releases.
Generate shop order paperwork including Kanban pull card system and manual shop orders base upon customer demand.
Use of a RF scanner and floor jack.
Assist pickers with picking and RF scanner issues.

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 ,

Service planner vs production scheduler skills

Common service planner skills

Customer Complaints, 10%
Data Entry, 9%
Customer Service, 9%
Delivery Dates, 8%
Purchase Orders, 4%
MRP, 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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Service Planner vs Production Scheduler

Updated January 8, 2025

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