What is a relief operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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A Relief Operator's task is to run and maintain a company's machinery or equipment. The person does this while complying with all company's safety policies. Relief operators also implement industry regulations, teach new staff, and submit reports to supervisors.

They are often expected to keep essential records, oversee quality control testing, monitor processing units, and execute field service tasks like installing parts on machines. Employers expect the ideal applicant for this post to be able to communicate effectively.

As a relief operator, you must possess manual dexterity, physical strength, and stamina. It also would be best if you were skilled in quality control skills and operation record maintenance.

Employers usually choose people who have obtained a high school diploma or GED for this position. In some cases, licensure is mandatory. If you are considering this role, note that the national median salary that a relief operator in the United States makes is $35,569.

ScoreRelief OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,693

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.4

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.21%

Asian 6.60%

Black or African American 11.97%

Hispanic or Latino 15.55%

Unknown 3.41%

White 61.26%

Gender

female 21.79%

male 78.21%

Age - 46
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 - 46
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

Relief Operator career paths

Key steps to become a relief operator

  1. Explore relief operator education requirements

    Most common relief operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    46.0 %

    Associate

    23.8 %

    Bachelor's

    14.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific relief operator skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Food Safety17.60%
    CIP10.61%
    PPE7.37%
    Quality Checks6.59%
    Basic Math6.19%
  3. Complete relevant relief operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New relief operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a relief operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real relief operator resumes.
  4. Research relief operator duties and responsibilities

    • Run and maintain production machinery while following all company GMP's and safety policies.
    • Utilize chemicals for clean-ups, always following MSDS instructions and wearing proper PPE at all times.
    • Perform work in specialize chemical/acid resistant PPE with SCBA, chemical resistant heat suits, inline air and escape packs.
    • Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.
  5. Prepare your relief operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your relief 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 relief 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 Relief Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Relief 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 Relief Operator resume.
    Relief Operator Resume
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    Relief Operator Resume
  6. Apply for relief operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a relief 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 Relief Operator Job

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Average relief operator salary

The average Relief Operator salary in the United States is $42,693 per year or $21 per hour. Relief operator salaries range between $36,000 and $50,000 per year.

Average Relief Operator Salary
$42,693 Yearly
$20.53 hourly

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How do relief operators rate their job?

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Relief 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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