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Tooling manager vs lead operator

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 vs lead operator overview

Tooling ManagerLead Operator
Yearly salary$118,897$88,429
Hourly rate$57.16$42.51
Growth rate10%7%
Number of jobs6,02087,338
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a tooling manager do?

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.

What does a lead operator do?

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 manager vs lead operator salary

Tooling managers and lead operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Tooling ManagerLead Operator
Average salary$118,897$88,429
Salary rangeBetween $89,000 And $158,000Between $54,000 And $142,000
Highest paying CityCheyenne, WYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWyomingNew Jersey
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between tooling manager and lead operator education

There are a few differences between a tooling manager and a lead operator in terms of educational background:

Tooling ManagerLead Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Tooling manager vs lead operator demographics

Here are the differences between tooling managers' and lead operators' demographics:

Tooling ManagerLead Operator
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 89.5% Female, 10.5%Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between tooling manager and lead operator duties and responsibilities

Tooling manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage fastener development and prototyping, and work to reduce cost across large part of fastener commodities.
  • Lead JSA prior to picking up tools to run in wellbore and to pulling out wellbore and laying down tools.
  • Supervise fishing operations and manage rig controls and risk analyses.
  • Manage daily operations of precision machining facility that produces components for the medical and aerospace industry.
  • Manage workflow and oversee strict cleanroom operations, assuring compliance with FDA specifications including labeling and packaging traceability.
  • Perform many duties including, manual machining, operation of CNC mills, lathes, sinker and wire EDM's.
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Lead operator example responsibilities.

  • Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen activities as well as managed the cost reduction activities from idea to implementation.
  • Contact potential REO listing brokers achieving the highest return call rate.
  • Create UAT scripts and utilize statistical process controls to manage loan process quality and ensure consistency.
  • Achieve goals in various metrics, from sales to plan, payroll, additional services, print center.
  • Manage and organize incoming records and publications for use on SharePoint.
  • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
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Tooling manager vs lead operator skills

Common tooling manager skills
  • Project Management, 21%
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • CNC, 5%
  • CAD, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 5%
  • Process Improvement, 5%
Common lead operator skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • HR, 10%
  • Process Improvement, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%

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