Control operator vs plant operator

The differences between control 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 control operator, becoming a plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a control operator has an average salary of $42,885, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.

The top three skills for a control operator include customer service, safety procedures and payroll. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.

Control operator vs plant operator overview

	Control Operator	Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$42,885	$42,697
Hourly rate	$20.62	$20.53
Growth rate	-8%	-7%
Number of jobs	64,435	43,388
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	2	12

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 plant operator do?

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.

Control operator vs plant operator salary

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

	Control Operator	Plant Operator
Average salary	$42,885	$42,697
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $55,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	Hoffman Estates, IL	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Illinois	Idaho
Best paying company	Battelle	NW Natural
Best paying industry	Energy	Finance

Differences between control operator and plant operator education

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

	Control Operator	Plant Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Control operator vs plant operator demographics

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

	Control Operator	Plant Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
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, 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	6%	5%

Differences between control operator and plant 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.

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Plant operator example responsibilities.

Manage and operate the DCS system or control board.
Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Used basic math skills to calculate the weight of the ammonia by the price it are per ton.
Operate compressors, scrubbers, pipeline, pumps, coolers, and evaporators to liquefy or compress gas.
Maintain and repair all equipment involve in plant processes to keep within OSHA safety standards and EPA environmental codes.

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Control operator vs plant operator skills

Common control operator skills

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

Common plant operator skills

Plant Equipment, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Boilers, 5%
Minor Maintenance, 4%
Ladders, 4%

Control Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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