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Laydown machine operator vs trenching machine operator

The differences between laydown machine operators and trenching machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laydown machine operator, becoming a trenching machine operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a trenching machine operator has an average salary of $39,238, which is higher than the $33,663 average annual salary of a laydown machine operator.

The top three skills for a laydown machine operator include rig, RAN and drill pipe. The most important skills for a trenching machine operator are ditch, , and .

Laydown machine operator vs trenching machine operator overview

Laydown Machine OperatorTrenching Machine Operator
Yearly salary$33,663$39,238
Hourly rate$16.18$18.86
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs53,65357,719
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4543
Years of experience24

Laydown machine operator vs trenching machine operator salary

Laydown machine operators and trenching machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laydown Machine OperatorTrenching Machine Operator
Average salary$33,663$39,238
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $43,000Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between laydown machine operator and trenching machine operator education

There are a few differences between a laydown machine operator and a trenching machine operator in terms of educational background:

Laydown Machine OperatorTrenching Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Laydown machine operator vs trenching machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between laydown machine operators' and trenching machine operators' demographics:

Laydown Machine OperatorTrenching Machine Operator
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between laydown machine operator and trenching machine operator duties and responsibilities

Laydown machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate jetco, ditchwitch, and vermer trenchers digging ditch and back filling ditch.
  • Work the rig floor operating break out tongs, v door, pulling slips and also roll pipe.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in operation of backhoe, trenchers, boom and dump truck.
  • Go to drilling rig, laid down drilling pipe and collars and pick up casing.
  • Rig the machine up and run casing to and from various types of oil rigs.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Show more

Trenching machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

Laydown machine operator vs trenching machine operator skills

Common laydown machine operator skills
  • Rig, 58%
  • RAN, 16%
  • Drill Pipe, 11%
  • DOT Regulations, 7%
  • JSA, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common trenching machine operator skills
  • Ditch, 100%

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