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The differences between grader operators and 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 operator. Additionally, a grader operator has an average salary of $46,011, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a grader operator include asphalt, CDL and OSHA. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Grader Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,011 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $22.12 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 35,424 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| 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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Grader operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Grader Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,011 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a grader operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Grader Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between grader operators' and operators' demographics:
| Grader Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |