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The differences between tooling managers and lead operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tooling manager and a lead operator. Additionally, a tooling manager has an average salary of $118,897, which is higher than the $88,429 average annual salary of a lead operator.
The top three skills for a tooling manager include project management, continuous improvement and CNC. The most important skills for a lead operator are customer service, HR, and process improvement.
| Tooling Manager | Lead Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $118,897 | $88,429 |
| Hourly rate | $57.16 | $42.51 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 6,020 | 87,338 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A tooling manager is primarily responsible for overseeing information and data regarding tool systems. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their industry or place of employment, it typically includes setting objectives and guidelines, coordinating with staff to gather and analyze data, liaising with internal and external parties, tracking tool locations, and maintaining records. Moreover, a tooling manager typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Lead operators are responsible for the direction and supervision of the day-to-day activities in facilities. As machine operators, they control machines and take charge of industrial operations. They handle and move objects, monitor processes, and inspect materials, structures, and equipment. Also, they may serve as mentors for the new production employees concerning occupational health and safety. They must be skilled in safety procedures, heavy equipment, preventive maintenance, and other things related to machine operations.
Tooling managers and lead operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tooling Manager | Lead Operator | |
| Average salary | $118,897 | $88,429 |
| Salary range | Between $89,000 And $158,000 | Between $54,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cheyenne, WY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tooling manager and a lead operator in terms of educational background:
| Tooling Manager | Lead Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between tooling managers' and lead operators' demographics:
| Tooling Manager | Lead Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.5% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |