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The differences between grader operators and equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a grader operator and an equipment operator. Additionally, a grader operator has an average salary of $46,011, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for a grader operator include asphalt, CDL and OSHA. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.
| Grader Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,011 | $31,739 |
| Hourly rate | $22.12 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 35,424 | 62,473 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A grader operator's main task is to operate a grader machine and any other heavy machinery that prepares roads for paving. He/She operates a grader that's self-propelled in spreading gravel, dirt, or stone when constructing roads. A grader operator maintains the grader machine, adheres to all safety practices, and inspects the machine daily. He/She also ensures the security of the machine and that it's well maintained. As a grader operator, your job may also involve carrying out routine checks on the machine to look out for worn parts, leaks, blades, etc.
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
Grader operators and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Grader Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,011 | $31,739 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $24,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Indianapolis, IN |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Nelsen Partners |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a grader operator and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Grader Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between grader operators' and equipment operators' demographics:
| Grader Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |