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The differences between boiler operators and boiler plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a boiler operator and a boiler plant operator. Additionally, a boiler operator has an average salary of $49,782, which is higher than the $46,119 average annual salary of a boiler plant operator.
The top three skills for a boiler operator include preventive maintenance, air compressors and boiler room. The most important skills for a boiler plant operator are plant equipment, boiler water, and auxiliary equipment.
A boiler operator specializes in the maintenance and repair of boiler machines and similar facilities in industrial establishments such as warehouses, power plants, and factories. As a boiler operator, it is their responsibility to monitor and operate systems and equipment, perform adjustments, observe factors such as temperature and pressure, write daily records, and replace equipment parts as needed. They may also maintain the cleanliness of areas, keeping supplies organized at all times. Furthermore, a boiler operator must conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
A boiler plant operator is primarily in charge of operating and monitoring boilers to ensure they function safely and efficiently. Their daily responsibilities often include starting and shutting down boilers, conducting safety and maintenance inspections, tracking the water levels and gauges, checking fuel supplies, and recording daily readings while adhering to the protocols and standards. There are also times when they must perform basic repairs and adjustments, control the pressure and chemical levels, inspect fluids, and produce regular progress reports for managers.
Boiler operators and boiler plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Boiler Operator | Boiler Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $49,782 | $46,119 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $70,000 | Between $32,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Ithaca, NY | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Southeastern Med | Gillette |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a boiler operator and a boiler plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Boiler Operator | Boiler Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Engineering | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between boiler operators' and boiler plant operators' demographics:
| Boiler Operator | Boiler Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 8.2% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |