What is a cell operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Cell Operators or, more specifically, Production Cell Operators are responsible for production cells in a manufacturing plant or factory. Production cells are sets of equipment that are grouped based on the similarities of the products they manufacture. A Cell Operator oversees not just the production cell's operations but also its maintenance and upkeep.

Cell Operators don't necessarily need a college education. A high school diploma or GED is enough to get you through the door. Prior experiences will give you a more significant advantage in the job market. Many Cell Operators were in customer services or manufacturing jobs that helped them train skills for their current position.

The average Cell Operator in the United States earns a yearly salary of $31,000. That's more or less $14 an hour. However, employers like the Raytheon Company, Ellwood Group, and Henkel pay their Cell Operators a highly competitive salary of $41,000 or more on average.

ScoreCell OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $37,866

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.4

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.98%

Asian 7.63%

Black or African American 9.91%

Hispanic or Latino 14.72%

Unknown 4.34%

White 62.43%

Gender

female 31.25%

male 68.75%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.8

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Cell Operator career paths

Key steps to become a cell operator

  1. Explore cell operator education requirements

    Most common cell operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    41.4 %

    Associate

    23.9 %

    Bachelor's

    16.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific cell operator skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hand Tools12.36%
    Math10.42%
    Quality Standards8.47%
    CNC8.12%
    Calipers6.81%
  3. Research cell operator duties and responsibilities

    • Work with QC on parts.
    • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
    • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
    • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  4. Prepare your cell operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cell operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cell operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Cell Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Cell Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Cell Operator resume.
    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
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    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
    Cell Operator Resume
  5. Apply for cell operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cell operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Cell Operator Job

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Average cell operator salary

The average Cell Operator salary in the United States is $37,866 per year or $18 per hour. Cell operator salaries range between $31,000 and $45,000 per year.

Average Cell Operator Salary
$37,866 Yearly
$18.20 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do cell operators rate their job?

-/5

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Cell Operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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