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Operator trainee vs assistant operator

The differences between operators trainee and assistant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $36,978 average annual salary of an operator trainee.

The top three skills for an operator trainee include customer service, hand tools and CDL. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.

Operator trainee vs assistant operator overview

Operator TraineeAssistant Operator
Yearly salary$36,978$37,607
Hourly rate$17.78$18.08
Growth rate7%-8%
Number of jobs73,65788,093
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4450
Years of experience-2

What does an operator trainee do?

The duties of an operator trainee depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around gaining insights by performing support tasks such as producing progress reports and documentation, maintaining records, coordinating with other members of the workforce, and operating machines while under the supervision of a manager or senior operator. Furthermore, as an operator trainee, it is essential to uphold the company's policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

What does an assistant operator do?

The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.

Operator trainee vs assistant operator salary

Operators trainee and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operator TraineeAssistant Operator
Average salary$36,978$37,607
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $28,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityMiddletown, CTSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiConnecticut
Best paying companyIBMMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryEnergyEnergy

Differences between operator trainee and assistant operator education

There are a few differences between an operator trainee and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:

Operator TraineeAssistant Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-Western Carolina University

Operator trainee vs assistant operator demographics

Here are the differences between operators trainee' and assistant operators' demographics:

Operator TraineeAssistant Operator
Average age4450
Gender ratioMale, 77.5% Female, 22.5%Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between operator trainee and assistant operator duties and responsibilities

Operator trainee example responsibilities.

  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Operate valves, pumps and extruders.
  • Work oilfield operations as a Jr.
  • Perform LOTO on process equipment and piping.
  • Work with PLC technician on solving PLC issues.
  • Assist crew workers with laying asphalt and smoothing asphalt out.
  • Show more

Assistant operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage proper removal and allocation for full yarn spindles.
  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Maintain current MSHA training requirements.
  • Coordinate special movement of ISO tanks.
  • Certify in MSHA hard-rock mine safety.
  • Maintain spinning/winding machines by putting idle spindles and cones back into production.
  • Show more

Operator trainee vs assistant operator skills

Common operator trainee skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • CDL, 11%
  • DOT, 5%
  • Minor Maintenance, 4%
  • Hazardous Materials, 4%
Common assistant operator skills
  • Customer Service, 28%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Safety Committee, 6%
  • Quality Checks, 6%
  • PPE, 5%

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