Auxiliary operator vs control room operator

The differences between auxiliary operators and control room operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $43,733 average annual salary of a control room operator.

The top three skills for an auxiliary operator include control room, water chemistry and emergency situations. The most important skills for a control room operator are control room operations, plant operations, and safety procedures.

Auxiliary operator vs control room operator overview

	Auxiliary Operator	Control Room Operator
Yearly salary	$60,040	$43,733
Hourly rate	$28.87	$21.03
Growth rate	-7%	-15%
Number of jobs	32,777	89,096
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	47	46
Years of experience	12	-

What does an auxiliary operator do?

An auxiliary operator controls and oversees various auxiliary equipment at facilities on a daily basis, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include conducting equipment readings, operating machinery and devices, maintaining records of procedures, and performing adjustments as needed. They may also gather samples for laboratory analysis, conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks, and maintain the cleanliness of areas. Moreover, it is vital for an auxiliary operator to maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a safe and efficient work environment.

What does a control room operator do?

A control room operator is an individual who works in the control room of a power plant to monitor the operations of the plant as well as ensures that everything is properly working. By using computer controls, control room operators must monitor and maintain plant equipment and indicators for proper operation. They must perform maintenance on various plant equipment to help improve reliability while monitoring the temperature to control plant heat. Control room operators must also serve as the control point for all individuals who enter the toxic areas of the facility.

Auxiliary operator vs control room operator salary

Auxiliary operators and control room operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Auxiliary Operator	Control Room Operator
Average salary	$60,040	$43,733
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $83,000	Between $30,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	Commerce City, CO
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between auxiliary operator and control room operator education

There are a few differences between an auxiliary operator and a control room operator in terms of educational background:

	Auxiliary Operator	Control Room Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Duke University	-

Auxiliary operator vs control room operator demographics

Here are the differences between auxiliary operators' and control room operators' demographics:

	Auxiliary Operator	Control Room Operator
Average age	47	46
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3%	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 1.5% White, 77.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between auxiliary operator and control room operator duties and responsibilities

Auxiliary operator example responsibilities.

Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
Follow NAES procedures on LOTO while doing so in a safely and timely manner.
Complete on site fire school training and responsible for proper operation of plant firefighting equipment.
Supervised/Operate PLC control incinerators and demilitarization machines.
Insure that lock-out and tag-out procedures are perform safely and in compliance with APS guidelines.
Complete training as a fire brigade team member at Delgado fire school.

Control room operator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage the redesign of system SCADA schematic's, revise system load calculations and regional load shedding programs.
Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Perform inspections of area by accessing ladders and stairwells.
Run coating machine Pre-QC boards before sending to QC.
Serve a lead producer; direct crew to ensure show run smoothly.
Operate support utilities, including cascade HVAC, power distribution, and emergency generators.

Auxiliary operator vs control room operator skills

Common auxiliary operator skills

Control Room, 17%
Water Chemistry, 11%
Emergency Situations, 11%
Plant Operations, 10%
Plant Equipment, 7%
Auxiliary Equipment, 6%

Common control room operator skills

Control Room Operations, 8%
Plant Operations, 7%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Plant Equipment, 6%
Ladders, 6%
Emergency Situations, 6%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Auxiliary Operator
Auxiliary Operator vs Control Room Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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