Disposal operator vs plant operator

The differences between disposal operators and plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a disposal operator and a plant operator. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, which is higher than the $41,101 average annual salary of a disposal operator.

The top three skills for a disposal operator include DOT, EPA and equipment maintenance. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.

Disposal operator vs plant operator overview

	Disposal Operator	Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$41,101	$42,697
Hourly rate	$19.76	$20.53
Growth rate	-7%	-7%
Number of jobs	33,072	43,388
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	12	12

Disposal operator vs plant operator salary

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

	Disposal Operator	Plant Operator
Average salary	$41,101	$42,697
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $63,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	-	Idaho
Best paying company	-	NW Natural
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between disposal operator and plant operator education

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

	Disposal Operator	Plant Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 36%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Disposal operator vs plant operator demographics

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

	Disposal Operator	Plant Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6%	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	5%	5%

Differences between disposal operator and plant operator duties and responsibilities

Disposal operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Mobilize, and maintain specialize tools, equipment, supplies, and EOD publications.
Clean out disposal strainers and baskets on the pumps.
Conduct readings of H2o and H2s in daily processing of gas.
Conduct gas test, H2s, O2, LEL, benzene test and butadiene before issuing confine space permit.

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.

Disposal operator vs plant operator skills

Common disposal operator skills

DOT, 16%
EPA, 11%
Equipment Maintenance, 11%
Hazardous Materials, 10%
Salt Water Disposal, 10%
Safety Training, 7%

Common plant operator skills

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