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Production Worker Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: September 27, 2023

A Production Worker, or General Production Worker, is responsible for helping assemble and prepare products for shipment. Their duties include placing raw materials or products into manufacturing machines to aid the assembly process, packaging finished products and organizing them for shipments and completing checks on equipment and products to ensure quality production.

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Production Worker job duties and responsibilities

Two individuals in hard hats and safety vests stand shoulder to shoulder behind an assembly line. The assembly line is running boxes. Text reads: "Sample production worker duties:Assemble & prepare goods for shipment,Conduct quality assurance testing,Monitor efficiency of production line,Organize inventory"

While the specific job duties and responsibilities of a Production Worker will often depend on the industry in which they work, Production Workers typically have the following responsibilities:

  • Monitor the efficiency of the production line to ensure timely load and shipment
  • Assemble and prepare goods for shipment
  • Complete quality assurance testing on goods and products
  • Maintain proper storage for material and product inventory in warehouses
  • Organize inventory in an easy-to-access process
  • Utilize machinery such as forklifts to load orders
  • Maintain the quality and upkeep of warehouse equipment including machinery
  • Move materials or completed products and packages to established locations
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Production Worker Job Description Examples

What does a Production Worker do?

Production Workers typically work for factories or manufacturing plants to help assemble products and monitor manufacturing equipment for product defects. They work closely with other Production Workers to check product quality and complete assembly tasks by set deadlines. Their job is to adhere to production quotas and complete cleaning activities at the end of each shift. They may also be responsible for using warehouse equipment like forklifts to organize and retrieve products ahead of shipments.

Production Worker skills and qualifications

Production Workers have certain prerequisite qualifications and skills to do their job effectively, which can include:

  • Efficiency
  • Physical ability to complete job duties, which may include standing for long periods, working in a space that lacks climate control or lifting objects with an established maximum weight
  • Ability to follow directions accurately
  • Attention to detail and organization skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Project management skills
  • Time management skill
  • Good technical and mechanical skills

Production Worker salary expectations

A Production Worker makes an average of $12.48 per hour. The pay rate may depend on the candidate’s education, level of experience, geographic location or industry.

Production Worker education and training requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma is often required to work as an entry-level Production Worker. Many Production Workers will begin in an entry-level position and work toward a higher position. Much of the training for a Production Worker will be on-the-job, where Production Workers can learn the individual requirements and work expectations of their employer. Many Production Workers will work on a team, often under the direct supervision of a Lead Production Worker, while they learn the processes of the warehouse.

Production Worker experience requirements

Experience requirements for Production Workers will vary from employer to employer. Some hiring managers may prefer to hire an entry-level Production Worker and then train them on the individual needs of the company whereas others prefer candidates with previous experience. Additionally, some hiring managers may require specific Production Worker skills, like the operation or upkeep or warehouse equipment. Industry-specific skills can dictate a higher expected salary as a Production Worker. Production Workers who have leadership or management experience tend to be more in demand and can often expect a higher salary.

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Frequently asked questions about Production Workers

What is the difference between a Production Worker and a Machine Operator?

Both Production Workers and Machine Operators work in manufacturing plants or factory settings to meet production quotas. However, their qualifications and specific job duties differ. For example, Production Workers only need a high school diploma and on-site job training to assemble and package products or use factory equipment.

In contrast, Machine Operators usually need a high school diploma followed by an associate degree or professional certification from a trade school. Their additional education allows them to operate manufacturing equipment like milling machines or grinders. Machine Operators and Production Workers may work closely together to complete specific tasks. One example of this would be when Production Workers load raw materials on an assembly line, which slowly feeds them into milling machines. From here, Machine Operators use machine controls to manipulate raw materials into products.

What are the daily duties of a Production Worker?

On a typical day, a Production Worker starts by sitting in on meetings with the production team. During these meetings, they learn about changes to manufacturing procedures and shipment schedules before receiving their assembly quota for the day. Throughout their shift, they move between different stations like assembling products, packaging products and organizing products on warehouse shelves. They take short breaks throughout the day to preserve their energy and eat meals. At the end of each shift, they clean their work area and report their quotas to their direct Supervisor.

What qualities make a good Production Worker?

A good Production Worker is someone who is committed to workplace safety. This quality motivates them to read over workplace safety procedures and complete their work within those guidelines. Their commitment to a safe work environment also means they voice their concerns when they see coworkers misusing equipment and notify Managers when unsafe activities occur. Further, a good Production Worker knows how to stay energized and alert throughout their shift to assemble products correctly and catch potential product defects.

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