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The differences between field operators and rig 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 rig operator. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a rig operator.
The top three skills for a field operator include CDL, hand tools and end loaders. The most important skills for a rig operator are CDL, productivity standards, and customer satisfaction.
| Field Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,202 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $20.29 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 81,407 | 30,722 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| 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.
A drill rig operator drills holes on the ground for different purposes. There are different types of rig operators depending on what they drill. There are rotary drill operators who drill oil and gas, and there is the rig operator who drills sewer holes and boreholes, among others. Their duties and responsibilities include receiving instructions on the drilling parameters and other procedures, checking and setting up equipment required for drilling, and offering assistance to other crew members.
Field operators and rig operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,202 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $60,000 | Between $28,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a field operator and a rig operator in terms of educational background:
| Field Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between field operators' and rig operators' demographics:
| Field Operator | Rig Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 24.6% Asian, 1.2% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |