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The differences between boiler operators and shift engineers 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 shift engineer. Additionally, a shift engineer has an average salary of $91,237, which is higher than the $49,782 average annual salary of a boiler operator.
The top three skills for a boiler operator include preventive maintenance, air compressors and boiler room. The most important skills for a shift engineer are HVAC, preventive maintenance, and plumbing.
| Boiler Operator | Shift Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $49,782 | $91,237 |
| Hourly rate | $23.93 | $43.86 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 32,715 | 31,693 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 shift engineer conducts maintenance operations and ensures a company's engineering policies are upheld. They supervise a team, perform preventative maintenance, take orders, keep records, and control inventory. This position requires good communication skills, time management skills, and previous experience in the field.
Boiler operators and shift engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Boiler Operator | Shift Engineer | |
| Average salary | $49,782 | $91,237 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $70,000 | Between $64,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Ithaca, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Southeastern Med | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a boiler operator and a shift engineer in terms of educational background:
| Boiler Operator | Shift Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between boiler operators' and shift engineers' demographics:
| Boiler Operator | Shift Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |