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The differences between equipment operators and field operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an equipment operator, becoming a field operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for an equipment operator include CDL, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for a field operator are CDL, hand tools, and end loaders.
| Equipment Operator | Field Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,739 | $42,202 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $20.29 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,473 | 81,407 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
A field operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery and resolve operational system failures. Field operators analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble machine components and secure its performance stability. They also upgrade parts and systems and recommend cost-reduction resources from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A field operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform troubleshooting procedures, adhering to safety procedures, and following guidelines to prevent operational hazards and manufacturing delays.
Equipment operators and field operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Operator | Field Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,739 | $42,202 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $29,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Indianapolis, IN | - |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | - |
| Best paying company | Nelsen Partners | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between an equipment operator and a field operator in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Operator | Field Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment operators' and field operators' demographics:
| Equipment Operator | Field Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 1.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |