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Electric system operator vs water technician

The differences between electric system operators and water technicians 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 water technician. Additionally, an electric system operator has an average salary of $63,571, which is higher than the $38,723 average annual salary of a water technician.

The top three skills for an electric system operator include SCADA, NERC and substation equipment. The most important skills for a water technician are customer service, work ethic, and hand tools.

Electric system operator vs water technician overview

Electric System OperatorWater Technician
Yearly salary$63,571$38,723
Hourly rate$30.56$18.62
Growth rate-7%-7%
Number of jobs40,73334,702
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4747
Years of experience1212

Electric system operator vs water technician salary

Electric system operators and water technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electric System OperatorWater Technician
Average salary$63,571$38,723
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $163,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-Redmond, WA
Highest paying state-Idaho
Best paying company-Vishay
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between electric system operator and water technician education

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

Electric System OperatorWater Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityDuke University

Electric system operator vs water technician demographics

Here are the differences between electric system operators' and water technicians' demographics:

Electric System OperatorWater Technician
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 95.5% Female, 4.5%Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between electric system operator and water technician 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.

Water technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage water usage plumbing repair electronics repair inventory control.
  • Water extraction, dry outs, roof tarps, board ups, mold clean up, demolition, fire clean up
  • mow, string trim, blow off.
  • Climb ladders, crawl, stoop, bend and work in confine spaces.
  • Use HEPA vac, antimicrobial, possibly sand, wipe studs and walls, and wear PPE.
  • Have HVAC an carpet cleaning experience.
  • Show more

Electric system operator vs water technician skills

Common electric system operator skills
  • SCADA, 60%
  • NERC, 19%
  • Substation Equipment, 10%
  • Emergency Procedures, 6%
  • Electric Distribution System, 2%
  • PJM, 2%
Common water technician skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Water Samples, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%

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