Auxiliary operator vs utility plant operative

The differences between auxiliary operators and utility plant operatives 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 utility plant operative. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $42,253 average annual salary of a utility plant operative.

The top three skills for an auxiliary operator include control room, water chemistry and emergency situations. The most important skills for a utility plant operative are plant equipment, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC.

Auxiliary operator vs utility plant operative overview

	Auxiliary Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Yearly salary	$60,040	$42,253
Hourly rate	$28.87	$20.31
Growth rate	-7%	-7%
Number of jobs	32,777	19,159
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Associate Degree, 41%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	12	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 utility plant operative do?

A utility plant operator monitors, operates, repairs, and maintains utility equipment and systems. Utility plant operators work on the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They operate and maintain a drainage and sewerage system as well as a neutralized acid waste system. The skills and knowledge they need include electronic control systems, underground cables, and the electrical generating system characteristics. Also, they are expected to know the basics of electrical practice.

Auxiliary operator vs utility plant operative salary

Auxiliary operators and utility plant operatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Auxiliary Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Average salary	$60,040	$42,253
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $83,000	Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	Highland, CA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Yale University
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between auxiliary operator and utility plant operative education

There are a few differences between an auxiliary operator and a utility plant operative in terms of educational background:

	Auxiliary Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Associate Degree, 41%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Auxiliary operator vs utility plant operative demographics

Here are the differences between auxiliary operators' and utility plant operatives' demographics:

	Auxiliary Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%
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, 8.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between auxiliary operator and utility plant operative 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.

Utility plant operative example responsibilities.

Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Conduct work in an FDA regulate environment.
Enforce and comply with operational guidelines, OSHA and EPA regulations.
Maintain compliance with state regulators, cGMP, FDA and insurance company.
Last year of employment work include 20 hour each week doing plumbing work exclusively.
Perform some plumbing repairs, minor electrical work, some carpentry, plus general maintenance at plant and offices.

Auxiliary operator vs utility plant operative skills

Common auxiliary operator skills

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

Common utility plant operative skills

Plant Equipment, 9%
Auxiliary Equipment, 7%
HVAC, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Control Systems, 5%
Cooling Towers, 5%

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Auxiliary Operator
Auxiliary Operator vs Utility Plant Operative

Updated January 8, 2025

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