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Gas controller vs process plant operator

The differences between gas controllers 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 gas controller and a process plant operator. Additionally, a gas controller has an average salary of $50,035, which is higher than the $41,902 average annual salary of a process plant operator.

The top three skills for a gas controller include SCADA, pipeline system and distribution systems. The most important skills for a process plant operator are plant operations, plant process, and minor maintenance.

Gas controller vs process plant operator overview

Gas ControllerProcess Plant Operator
Yearly salary$50,035$41,902
Hourly rate$24.06$20.15
Growth rate--7%
Number of jobs15,28361,085
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does a gas controller do?

A gas controller operates pipelines to make sure that customers receive proper oil or gas flow requirements. Gas controllers typically work with oil and gas companies to prevent any unforeseen problems. Oftentimes, they are tasked with adjusting pressure, temperature, and flow rate in gas chambers for productivity maintenance. It is their job to record and review the overall operation as well as test all equipment for accuracy. They should be willing to work 12 hours and work effectively especially during emergency situations.

What does a process plant operator do?

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.

Gas controller vs process plant operator salary

Gas controllers and process plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Gas ControllerProcess Plant Operator
Average salary$50,035$41,902
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $83,000Between $28,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between gas controller and process plant operator education

There are a few differences between a gas controller and a process plant operator in terms of educational background:

Gas ControllerProcess Plant Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorAccountingBusiness
Most common college--

Gas controller vs process plant operator demographics

Here are the differences between gas controllers' and process plant operators' demographics:

Gas ControllerProcess Plant Operator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 85.1% Female, 14.9%Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between gas controller and process plant operator duties and responsibilities

Gas controller example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate pipeline flow via SCADA ensuring uninterrupt natural gas supply to commercial markets.
  • Work with radio and technical equipment to troubleshoot.
  • Determine need and direct operations of LNG peak shaving plants.
  • Monitor PLC's, temperature, pressure, and gas flow with meters and gauges.
  • Operate a cryogenic nitrogen production plant, programme PLC functions, electrical / mechanical & electronic repairs.
  • Experience working with pumps, compressors, blowers, and running in process gas samples using gas chromatograms.
  • Show more

Process plant operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
  • Move to the assembly department building electrical panels, installing electrical panels, installing various electrical devices on new centrifuges.
  • Batch SCC, Shotcrete and other loads to client specifications.

Gas controller vs process plant operator skills

Common gas controller skills
  • SCADA, 29%
  • Pipeline System, 8%
  • Distribution Systems, 6%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • Control Room Management, 5%
  • Pipeline Operations, 5%
Common process plant operator skills
  • Plant Operations, 30%
  • Plant Process, 10%
  • Minor Maintenance, 9%
  • Plant Equipment, 7%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Continuous Operation, 6%

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