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Launch operator vs vessel operator

The differences between launch operators and vessel 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 launch operator and a vessel operator. Additionally, a launch operator has an average salary of $72,155, which is higher than the $51,409 average annual salary of a vessel operator.

The top three skills for a launch operator include boats, coast guard and GPS. The most important skills for a vessel operator are USCG, TWIC, and safety equipment.

Launch operator vs vessel operator overview

Launch OperatorVessel Operator
Yearly salary$72,155$51,409
Hourly rate$34.69$24.72
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs30,43729,922
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Launch operator vs vessel operator salary

Launch operators and vessel operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Launch OperatorVessel Operator
Average salary$72,155$51,409
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $166,000Between $25,000 And $103,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between launch operator and vessel operator education

There are a few differences between a launch operator and a vessel operator in terms of educational background:

Launch OperatorVessel Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Launch operator vs vessel operator demographics

Here are the differences between launch operators' and vessel operators' demographics:

Launch OperatorVessel Operator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 74.3% Female, 25.7%Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between launch operator and vessel operator duties and responsibilities

Launch operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
  • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Vessel operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  • Master of ATB, hawser tug/barge combinations operating worldwide and GOM.

Launch operator vs vessel operator skills

Common launch operator skills
  • Boats, 32%
  • Coast Guard, 16%
  • GPS, 16%
  • Missile, 14%
  • Technical Knowledge, 8%
  • Routine Maintenance, 7%
Common vessel operator skills
  • USCG, 32%
  • TWIC, 26%
  • Safety Equipment, 13%
  • Coast Guard, 11%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Skimmers, 7%

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