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The differences between boiler plant operators and plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a boiler plant operator, becoming a plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a boiler plant operator has an average salary of $46,119, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.
The top three skills for a boiler plant operator include plant equipment, boiler water and auxiliary equipment. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
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.
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.
Boiler plant operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Boiler Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,119 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $65,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Gillette | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a boiler plant operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Boiler Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Business |
| Most common college | - | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between boiler plant operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Boiler Plant Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 4% | 5% |