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The differences between field operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a field operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a field operator include CDL, hand tools and end loaders. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Field Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,202 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $20.29 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 81,407 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Field operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,202 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $60,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a field operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Field Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between field operators' and operators' demographics:
| Field Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |