What does a Finisher Operator do?
A finisher operator finalizes a product. They put on the final layer of paint, stitching, engraving or cloth on the product to complete it. They may also restore furniture by fixing dents or discoloration. They are responsible for making sure that their equipment does not malfunction and making minor repairs. They assist in trimming, molding, packing, and transporting the final product, and they are also responsible for final quality control.
Finisher operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real finisher operator resumes:
- Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
- Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, banding machines or hand tools.
- Cross train in CIP validation.
- Perform labor duties of concrete demolition.
- Operate multiple CNC machines and shadow CNC programmers
- Process parts for fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI/ NDT).
- Experience working with height stands, depth micrometers, and other gauges.
- Train new employees in color buffing techniques and sanding of cast aluminum parts.
- Work with supervision to catch errors before transformers are shipped, adhering to ISO standards.
- Operate flamecut machine, work with hand grinders, operate forklift, operate over head crane.
- Modify dies and assist bobst technician * are in charge of ordering supply store for cutters.
- Glue fabric onto aluminum, then attach parts, and pack them out with other parts.
- Inspect or measure finish work pieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as gauges or micrometers.
- Operate precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and scales.
- Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.
Finisher operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Finisher Operators are proficient in Hand Tools, Math, and Quality Checks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Visual ability.
We break down the percentage of Finisher Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
- Math, 9%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
- Quality Checks, 7%
Perform quality checks and documentations.
- Safety Procedures, 5%
Followed all safety procedures and policies per GMP regulations
- Quality Standards, 5%
Developed training documentation and quality standards and implemented to the team.
- Product Quality, 5%
Performed product quality inspections, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, in preparation for air bag distribution and shipping.
Common skills that a finisher operator uses to do their job include "hand tools," "math," and "quality checks." You can find details on the most important finisher operator responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a finisher operator to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what finisher operators do because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Additionally, a finisher operator resume shows how finisher operators use communication skills: "maintained communication with other operators, supervisors, and management to ensure product quality and to rectify any problems. "
Coordination. Many finisher operator duties rely on coordination. "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely," so a finisher operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways finisher operator responsibilities rely on coordination: "ensured with safety procedures at all hand and eye coordination at all times in facility. "
Visual ability. finisher operators are also known for visual ability, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to finisher operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." A finisher operator resume example shows how visual ability is used in the workplace: "perform visual inspection including acids levels and cosmetic defects. "
Mechanical skills. For certain finisher operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a finisher operator rely on this skill, as "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what finisher operators do: "assembled cable harnesses and soldered iso [ ] certified electrical and mechanical certified cross trained in other departments. "
The three companies that hire the most finisher operators are:
- QQuad25 finisher operators jobs
- GGraphic Packaging International14 finisher operators jobs
- EExpress Employment Indy South13 finisher operators jobs
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Compare different finisher operators
Finisher operator vs. Technical machine operator
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between finisher operators and technical machine operator. For instance, finisher operator responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "product quality," "data entry," and "safety rules." Whereas a technical machine operator is skilled in "basic math," "preventative maintenance," "continuous improvement," and "trouble shoot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Technical machine operators earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $35,834. On the other hand, finisher operators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $38,157.technical machine operators tend to reach similar levels of education than finisher operators. In fact, technical machine operators are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Finisher operator vs. Manufacturing operator
Production line operators must have strong reading skills and a knowledge base for loading and unloading, quality control, and starting and stopping of production lines. Those who choose this career will be expected to assist in assembling and manufacturing machines, foodstuffs, and products. Production line operators most often work in a factory setting for a manufacturer.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real finisher operator resumes. While finisher operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "product quality," "routine maintenance," "quality issues," and "glue pots," manufacturing operators use skills like "basic math," "quality products," "good communication," and "dexterity."
Manufacturing operators may earn a lower salary than finisher operators, but manufacturing operators earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $37,500. On the other hand, finisher operators receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,157.In general, manufacturing operators achieve similar levels of education than finisher operators. They're 2.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Finisher operator vs. Production line operator
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a finisher operator is likely to be skilled in "hand tools," "product quality," "data entry," and "lean manufacturing," while a typical production line operator is skilled in "basic math," "safety guidelines," "quality products," and "production line equipment."
Production line operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $38,400. On the other hand, finisher operators are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $38,157.Most production line operators achieve a similar degree level compared to finisher operators. For example, they're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Finisher operator vs. Production operator
Even though a few skill sets overlap between finisher operators and production operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a finisher operator might have more use for skills like "product quality," "quality issues," "glue pots," and "product specifications." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of production operators require skills like "basic math," "customer service," "safety standards," and "work ethic. "
Production operators enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,865. For comparison, finisher operators earn the highest salary in the technology industry.production operators reach similar levels of education compared to finisher operators, in general. The difference is that they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of finisher operator
Updated January 8, 2025
