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Grader operator vs operating engineer apprentice

The differences between grader operators and operating engineers apprentice 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 operating engineer apprentice. Additionally, an operating engineer apprentice has an average salary of $55,924, which is higher than the $46,011 average annual salary of a grader operator.

The top three skills for a grader operator include asphalt, CDL and OSHA. The most important skills for an operating engineer apprentice are mechanical equipment, plumbing, and CDL.

Grader operator vs operating engineer apprentice overview

Grader OperatorOperating Engineer Apprentice
Yearly salary$46,011$55,924
Hourly rate$22.12$26.89
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs35,42417,366
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age4545
Years of experience44

Grader operator vs operating engineer apprentice salary

Grader operators and operating engineers apprentice have different pay scales, as shown below.

Grader OperatorOperating Engineer Apprentice
Average salary$46,011$55,924
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $60,000Between $43,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between grader operator and operating engineer apprentice education

There are a few differences between a grader operator and an operating engineer apprentice in terms of educational background:

Grader OperatorOperating Engineer Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Grader operator vs operating engineer apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between grader operators' and operating engineers apprentice' demographics:

Grader OperatorOperating Engineer Apprentice
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 79.9% Female, 20.1%Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 0.9% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between grader operator and operating engineer apprentice duties and responsibilities

Grader operator example responsibilities.

  • Experience with GPS, laser, and sonic.
  • Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
  • Operate dozer to backfill trench and level pipeline.
  • Manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients using GMP format and aseptic techniques.

Operating engineer apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Edit geotechnical and tunneling drawings using AutoCAD and MicroStation.
  • Assist with plumbing and work as a temporary employee.
  • Integrate technology into curriculum, supplementing class lectures and developing student's researching skills and internet and PowerPoint proficiency.
  • Remove and install custom size vinyl replacement windows for residential homes and commercial

Grader operator vs operating engineer apprentice skills

Common grader operator skills
  • Asphalt, 42%
  • CDL, 14%
  • OSHA, 12%
  • General Maintenance, 8%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 5%
Common operating engineer apprentice skills
  • Mechanical Equipment, 40%
  • Plumbing, 30%
  • CDL, 9%
  • Cooling Towers, 7%
  • Mechanical Systems, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%

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