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The differences between auxiliary operators and plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an auxiliary operator and a plant operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.
The top three skills for an auxiliary operator include control room, water chemistry and emergency situations. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
| Auxiliary Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $60,040 | $42,697 |
| Hourly rate | $28.87 | $20.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,777 | 43,388 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records. A plant operator may also respond to inquiries and issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and provide corrective measures. Furthermore, a plant operator must conduct regular inspection and maintenance to ensure a safe work environment for everyone, all while implementing the plant's safety policies and regulations.
Auxiliary operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Auxiliary Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $60,040 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $83,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Idaho |
| Best paying company | - | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between an auxiliary operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Auxiliary Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between auxiliary operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Auxiliary Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |