Field operator vs unit operator

The differences between field operators and unit 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 unit operator. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, which is higher than the $41,192 average annual salary of a unit operator.

The top three skills for a field operator include CDL, hand tools and end loaders. The most important skills for a unit operator are asphalt, plant equipment, and safety procedures.

Field operator vs unit operator overview

	Field Operator	Unit Operator
Yearly salary	$42,202	$41,192
Hourly rate	$20.29	$19.80
Growth rate	5%	7%
Number of jobs	81,407	47,545
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Field operator vs unit operator salary

Field operators and unit operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Field Operator	Unit Operator
Average salary	$42,202	$41,192
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $60,000	Between $27,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	Plymouth, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Applied Materials
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between field operator and unit operator education

There are a few differences between a field operator and a unit operator in terms of educational background:

	Field Operator	Unit Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Field operator vs unit operator demographics

Here are the differences between field operators' and unit operators' demographics:

	Field Operator	Unit Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0%	Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5%
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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between field operator and unit operator duties and responsibilities

Field operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
Check through equipment such as contact weight bars, quick changes, cdl.
Train in FRAC and cement work.
Position require CDL and handling of radioactive sources.
Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
rebuild and repack pumps re-dress bop stacks pump fluids and nitrogen

Unit operator example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
Drill frac plugs in time efficient manner.
Coordinate, and execute safety programs, JSA's, and reports.
Make Maximo request to get desire jobs put on schedule for repairs.
Perform LOTO procedures for equipment in preparation for maintenance or safety concerns.
Perform day to day operational oversight and maintenance over numerous distillation and utility units in a cresylic acid manufacturing facility.

Field operator vs unit operator skills

Common field operator skills

CDL, 15%
Hand Tools, 7%
End Loaders, 7%
Hazmat, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%

Common unit operator skills

Asphalt, 27%
Plant Equipment, 21%
Safety Procedures, 11%
Control Room, 7%
Unit Operations, 6%
Rig, 4%