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The differences between petroleum inspectors and test operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a petroleum inspector has an average salary of $48,415, which is higher than the $35,591 average annual salary of a test operator.
The top three skills for a petroleum inspector include regular communication, API and ladders. The most important skills for a test operator are test equipment, hand tools, and test procedures.
| Petroleum Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $48,415 | $35,591 |
| Hourly rate | $23.28 | $17.11 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 17,162 | 63,674 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Petroleum Inspectors are responsible for examining petroleum shipments to ensure they meet contract specifications. Their duties include examining samples during petroleum tank transfer for water or discoloration, withdrawing samples from the petroleum tank, and conducting laboratory analysis on bottled, stored samples. They also use calibration tables to quantify consignments and sounding shore tanks using steel tape. Petroleum inspectors may conduct calibration on meters and tanks. Petroleum inspectors ensure that shipments passing through adhere to performance and safety regulations.
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
Petroleum inspectors and test operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Petroleum Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Average salary | $48,415 | $35,591 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $78,000 | Between $25,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Linden, NJ | Stratford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Intertek | Qorvo |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a petroleum inspector and a test operator in terms of educational background:
| Petroleum Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between petroleum inspectors' and test operators' demographics:
| Petroleum Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 24.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 49.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |