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Washer operator vs line operator

The differences between washer operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line operator has an average salary of $34,520, which is higher than the $31,789 average annual salary of a washer operator.

The top three skills for a washer operator include safety standards, dryers and car wash. The most important skills for a line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.

Washer operator vs line operator overview

Washer OperatorLine Operator
Yearly salary$31,789$34,520
Hourly rate$15.28$16.60
Growth rate6%7%
Number of jobs75,715137,127
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4744
Years of experience6-

What does a washer operator do?

A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.

What does a line operator do?

A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.

Washer operator vs line operator salary

Washer operators and line operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Washer OperatorLine Operator
Average salary$31,789$34,520
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityBelvidere, ILGrand Forks, ND
Highest paying stateIllinoisNorth Dakota
Best paying companySiemensBD
Best paying industryProfessionalManufacturing

Differences between washer operator and line operator education

There are a few differences between a washer operator and a line operator in terms of educational background:

Washer OperatorLine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at Alfred-

Washer operator vs line operator demographics

Here are the differences between washer operators' and line operators' demographics:

Washer OperatorLine Operator
Average age4744
Gender ratioMale, 85.6% Female, 14.4%Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage11%5%

Differences between washer operator and line operator duties and responsibilities

Washer operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Stock PPE cabinets throughout the day.
  • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  • Operate an industrial scale to make sure load weights do not exceed washer and dryer capacities.
  • Dry finish product using industrialize dryer.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Line operator example responsibilities.

  • Follow safety procedures, including but not limit to, wearing proper PPE, lock-out/tag-out, and HAZMAT.
  • Weld various models of Honda car seats.
  • Operate foam line for assembly of Toyota Tacoma car seats.
  • Work the assembly line building car door frames for Chrysler.
  • Work in high volume production setting, sewing seat covers for Toyota vehicles.
  • Wear all PPE while manually draining and cleaning of all dip tanks and stations after shift or when production quality lessen.
  • Show more

Washer operator vs line operator skills

Common washer operator skills
  • Safety Standards, 34%
  • Dryers, 31%
  • Car Wash, 9%
  • Washing Machines, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • PPE, 5%
Common line operator skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • PPE, 9%
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Extrusion, 8%
  • Quality Checks, 7%
  • Assembly Line, 5%

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