What Does a Line Worker Do?
Find out what a line worker does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a line worker.
Line workers are the people who build, repair and maintain our roads, bridges, buildings and other structures. They’re responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to construction projects—everything from pouring concrete to installing electrical wiring or plumbing fixtures.
Line workers typically work on teams that are overseen by supervisors or project managers. Their jobs require them to follow specific procedures and protocols in order to ensure that they’re completing their tasks safely and effectively.
Line Worker Job Duties
Line workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Inspecting equipment and machinery to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently, repairing or replacing parts as needed
- Repairing equipment that has been damaged by accidents, wear and tear, or natural disasters
- Operating cranes, forklifts, and other machinery used in construction or shipping industries to move materials
- Laying new pipe for water mains, sewers, power lines, or other types of utility lines
- Installing pipes, cables, and other underground utility lines using digging equipment such as backhoes or bulldozers
- Installing or repairing electrical wiring or equipment such as circuit breakers or transformers
- Installing sheet metal ductwork and other building materials to create ventilation systems for large buildings such as warehouses or stores
- Installing or repairing plumbing and sewer systems for residential or commercial buildings
- Installing or repairing electrical wiring or equipment such as circuit breakers or transformers
Line Worker Salary & Outlook
Line workers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.
- Median Annual Salary: $37,500 ($18.03/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)
The employment of line workers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
Employment growth will be limited by an increase in automation, which allows companies to produce more products with fewer workers. However, some types of manufacturing industries, such as textiles and apparel, are less likely to automate because of the cost of the equipment.
Line Worker Job Requirements
A line worker may need to have the following qualifications:
Education: Most line workers are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require a line worker to have a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree in a related field.
Training & Experience: Line workers typically receive on-the-job training from experienced co-workers or supervisors. This training helps line workers learn the specific processes and procedures for their role. Training may include learning how to use specialized equipment, how to complete specific tasks and how to interact with customers.
Some line workers may receive additional training to learn how to use specialized equipment. For example, a line worker who works in a lumber yard may need to learn how to use a chainsaw to cut wood. A line worker who works in a hardware store may need to learn how to use a power drill to install screws.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can prove an individual’s qualifications to current and prospective employers. Line workers can earn certifications to gain more theoretical knowledge of their responsibilities, test their professional skills and further advance their career.
Line Worker Skills
Line workers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication skills: Communication skills are also important for line workers, as they may need to communicate with other workers and supervisors. You may also need to communicate with customers, so it’s important to be able to explain technical processes and procedures.
Attention to detail: Having attention to detail means you can focus on small tasks and complete them accurately. This is important as a line worker because you may be responsible for a small part of a larger production process. For example, if you’re working on an assembly line, you may be responsible for putting together a small part of a larger product. If you have good attention to detail, you can complete this task accurately and efficiently.
Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are important for line workers, as they may encounter challenges while working. For example, if a machine malfunctions, you may need to find a way to complete your work without the machine. This may involve finding a new way to complete the task or finding someone to help you fix the machine.
Physical stamina: Physical stamina is the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. As a line worker, you may be required to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects. Having a high level of physical stamina can help you perform your job duties with ease.
Teamwork skills: Working in a team can help you learn how to communicate with others and share responsibilities. You may work with a team of other line workers on the same job, so it’s important to be able to work with others. Teamwork skills can also help you work with your supervisors and managers, as you may need to collaborate with them to complete certain tasks.
Line Worker Work Environment
Line workers are employed in a variety of industries, including food processing, automotive assembly, electronics, and textile manufacturing. They typically work in factories or other industrial settings and are responsible for performing a specific task in the production process. Line workers typically work on an assembly line, where they are responsible for adding or attaching a certain component to the product as it moves down the line. In some cases, line workers may be responsible for operating machinery that assists in the production process. Line workers typically work full time and may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes hazardous, and line workers are often required to stand for long periods of time.
Line Worker Trends
Here are three trends influencing how line workers work. Line workers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for More Technical Skills
The need for more technical skills is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of modern machinery. In order to keep these machines running smoothly, workers will need to have a basic understanding of how they work and how to repair them when they break down.
This trend is especially important for line workers who are responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment. By learning how to troubleshoot problems on their own, they can save time and money by preventing unnecessary downtime.
More Automation in Manufacturing
As manufacturing becomes increasingly automated, line workers will need to learn new skills in order to stay competitive.
One of the most important skills that line workers will need to learn is how to operate and maintain automation systems. This includes everything from operating robots and assembly lines to programming and maintaining computer systems.
A Greater Focus on Quality Control
As businesses become more focused on quality control, line workers will need to develop the skills necessary to ensure that products meet the company’s standards.
This trend is already beginning to play out in the food industry, where companies are looking for employees who can inspect produce and other ingredients to make sure that they are up to par. As this trend continues to grow, line workers will need to be able to identify defects and take steps to correct them.
How to Become a Line Worker
A line worker career can be a great way to start your working life. It’s a job that offers plenty of opportunities for growth, and it can lead to many other interesting jobs in the manufacturing industry.
If you want to become a line worker, the first thing you need to do is find a company that makes products that interest you. Then, apply for a job as a line worker. Once you have started working at the company, take advantage of any training opportunities that are offered. This will help you learn new skills and move up the ladder.
Advancement Prospects
There are many opportunities for advancement for line workers. With experience, line workers can move into lead positions, where they oversee other workers and help to coordinate production. Those with strong people skills may move into management positions, such as production manager or plant manager. Some line workers may choose to become independent contractors, working on a per-project basis. Others may start their own businesses, manufacturing and selling products they produce.
Line Worker Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we produce high-quality products that our customers have come to trust. We’re looking for a line worker to join our team and help us maintain our reputation for excellence. As a line worker, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks to keep the production line moving smoothly. This may include packaging products, inspecting products for defects, and operating machinery. You will also be responsible for keeping your work area clean and organized. The ideal candidate will be able to work quickly and efficiently while paying close attention to detail.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain all equipment in a safe and efficient manner, in accordance with company policies and procedures
- Read and interpret work orders to determine production specifications and sequences
- Assemble products or parts to specifications, using hand tools, power tools, or welding equipment
- Inspect finished products for defects and conformance to specifications, measuring instruments, and visual standards
- Record product information such as quantities produced, scrap, or time lost on the production line
- Notify supervisors of any mechanical problems that arise during production
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the work area, including sweeping, mopping, and removing debris
- Adhere to all safety regulations to protect oneself, fellow workers, and equipment
- Follow all company policies and procedures
- Assist other team members when needed
- Work overtime when necessary
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proven experience as a line worker in a manufacturing or production environment
- Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Strong team player
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in industrial technology or related field
- 2+ years of experience in a supervisory role
- Working knowledge of quality control standards (ISO 9000, etc.)
- Experience with lean manufacturing principles
- Forklift certification
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