Control operator vs master control operator

The differences between control operators and master control 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 control operator, becoming a master control operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a master control operator has an average salary of $52,528, which is higher than the $42,885 average annual salary of a control operator.

The top three skills for a control operator include customer service, safety procedures and payroll. The most important skills for a master control operator are transmitters, troubleshoot, and FCC.

Control operator vs master control operator overview

	Control Operator	Master Control Operator
Yearly salary	$42,885	$52,528
Hourly rate	$20.62	$25.25
Growth rate	-8%	10%
Number of jobs	64,435	70,063
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	43	42
Years of experience	2	4

What does a control operator do?

The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports, address and resolve issues, and implement solutions. Furthermore, as a control operator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with fellow employees, coordinating every step of the way for a safe and efficient workflow.

What does a master control operator do?

A Master Control Operator executes and supervises the quality and accuracy of the transmission of radio and television programs. They also record and document various video feeds.

Control operator vs master control operator salary

Control operators and master control operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Control Operator	Master Control Operator
Average salary	$42,885	$52,528
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $55,000	Between $29,000 And $93,000
Highest paying City	Hoffman Estates, IL	-
Highest paying state	Illinois	-
Best paying company	Battelle	-
Best paying industry	Energy	-

Differences between control operator and master control operator education

There are a few differences between a control operator and a master control operator in terms of educational background:

	Control Operator	Master Control Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Accounting	Communication
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	New York University

Control operator vs master control operator demographics

Here are the differences between control operators' and master control operators' demographics:

	Control Operator	Master Control Operator
Average age	43	42
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	6%	8%

Differences between control operator and master control operator duties and responsibilities

Control operator example responsibilities.

Manage day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks, producing reports as needed.
Manage all financial activities including financial reporting, general accounting, budgeting, cost accounting, A/R, A/P.
Manage, analyze, and prepare period- and year-end documentation, ensuring generally accept accounting principles (GAAP) adherence.
Manage logistics to increase shipping efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Manage business unit income statements, product-line contribution margin reporting and absorption analysis.
Coordinate and manage annual physical inventory as well as inventory valuation in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

Master control operator example responsibilities.

Design social networking app with routing using Java, TCP/IP and UDP/IP.
Organize and prioritize daily network programming needs, troubleshoot on-air emergencies and equipment malfunctions.
Create an integrate training program to teach all nuclear operators new instrumentation and control systems base on digital logic versus analog.
Monitor ABC and local programming.
Direct both NBC and ABC broadcasts.
Used Lightroom and Photoshop to edit photos.

Control operator vs master control operator skills

Common control operator skills

Customer Service, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
CPA, 4%
Logistics, 4%

Common master control operator skills

Transmitters, 9%
Troubleshoot, 8%
FCC, 8%
Ingest, 6%
Audio Board, 5%
Playlists, 5%

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Control Operator
Control Operator vs Master Control Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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