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The differences between equipment operators and lighting equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an equipment operator and a lighting equipment operator. Additionally, a lighting equipment operator has an average salary of $38,105, 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 lighting equipment operator are production runs, routine maintenance, and safety rules.
| Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,739 | $38,105 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $18.32 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,473 | 44,772 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 great performance needs a lighting equipment operator that will highlight the skill and features of a performer. This person is responsible for ensuring that the lighting equipment is working properly and will not have any problems. The operator manages all the needed visual equipment like the background lighting, LEDs, and video playbacks. They also control lighting materials such as the spotlights, disco lights, and lamps. This position may play a role at concerts, comedy bars, plays, theaters, musical shows, and awards night.
Equipment operators and lighting equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,739 | $38,105 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $28,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Indianapolis, IN | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Nelsen Partners | Mayor Ethan Berkowitz |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between an equipment operator and a lighting equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment operators' and lighting equipment operators' demographics:
| Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% |
| 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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |