Post job

Electric system operator vs wastewater treatment operator

The differences between electric system operators and wastewater treatment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an electric system operator and a wastewater treatment operator. Additionally, an electric system operator has an average salary of $63,571, which is higher than the $45,618 average annual salary of a wastewater treatment operator.

The top three skills for an electric system operator include SCADA, NERC and substation equipment. The most important skills for a wastewater treatment operator are plant equipment, process control, and blowers.

Electric system operator vs wastewater treatment operator overview

Electric System OperatorWastewater Treatment Operator
Yearly salary$63,571$45,618
Hourly rate$30.56$21.93
Growth rate-7%-7%
Number of jobs40,73332,561
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age4747
Years of experience1212

Electric system operator vs wastewater treatment operator salary

Electric system operators and wastewater treatment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electric System OperatorWastewater Treatment Operator
Average salary$63,571$45,618
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $163,000Between $32,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City-Mercer Island, WA
Highest paying state-Idaho
Best paying company-Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between electric system operator and wastewater treatment operator education

There are a few differences between an electric system operator and a wastewater treatment operator in terms of educational background:

Electric System OperatorWastewater Treatment Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringEnvironmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityDuke University

Electric system operator vs wastewater treatment operator demographics

Here are the differences between electric system operators' and wastewater treatment operators' demographics:

Electric System OperatorWastewater Treatment Operator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 95.5% Female, 4.5%Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 1.7% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between electric system operator and wastewater treatment operator duties and responsibilities

Electric system operator example responsibilities.

  • Supervise and lead teams to be proficient in proprietary and commercial production and supply management software.
  • Complete annual NERC compliance training.
  • Help electrical maintenance department troubleshoot motors and other electrical devices.
  • Design and plan PowerPoint presentations for supervisors.

Wastewater treatment operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
  • Monitor plant and lift station performance by regularly checking SCADA system on computer.
  • Inspect facilities, equipment and plumbing for effects for corrosive, flammable and combustible gas.
  • Optimize internal controls and process to comply with new parameters set by EPA and JCA.
  • Review and remain current on OSHA standards and regulations for general industry and perform safety audits.
  • Utilize computers for SCADA monitoring, data input, work order tracking and other uses of technology.
  • Show more

Electric system operator vs wastewater treatment operator skills

Common electric system operator skills
  • SCADA, 60%
  • NERC, 19%
  • Substation Equipment, 10%
  • Emergency Procedures, 6%
  • Electric Distribution System, 2%
  • PJM, 2%
Common wastewater treatment operator skills
  • Plant Equipment, 5%
  • Process Control, 5%
  • Blowers, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • Plant Operations, 4%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs