Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between field operators and process plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a field operator and a process plant operator. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $41,902 average annual salary of a process plant operator.
The top three skills for a field operator include CDL, hand tools and end loaders. The most important skills for a process plant operator are plant operations, plant process, and minor maintenance.
| Field Operator | Process Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,202 | $41,902 |
| Hourly rate | $20.29 | $20.15 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 81,407 | 61,085 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.
Field operators and process plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Operator | Process Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,202 | $41,902 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $60,000 | Between $28,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a field operator and a process plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Field Operator | Process Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between field operators' and process plant operators' demographics:
| Field Operator | Process Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 11% |