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The differences between pilot plant technicians and plant technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a pilot plant technician and a plant technician. Additionally, a pilot plant technician has an average salary of $55,161, which is higher than the $46,164 average annual salary of a plant technician.
The top three skills for a pilot plant technician include pilot plant equipment, safety procedures and GMP. The most important skills for a plant technician are preventive maintenance, ladders, and data collection.
| Pilot Plant Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,161 | $46,164 |
| Hourly rate | $26.52 | $22.19 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 23,485 | 146,543 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Pilot plant technicians need relevant pilot plant experience or experience in a food manufacturing environment, as well as knowledge of operation and maintenance of pilot plant equipment. Paid salaries of $48K per year, those in this career are expected to operate experimental pilot plants, assist with experimental design, and develop new processes in chemical engineering and production.
A plant technician is in charge of overseeing plant operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading machines and equipment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, implementing solutions to vulnerable or problem areas, and developing strategies to optimize plant operations. They must also perform regular maintenance checks, conducting corrective measures and adjustments as needed. Furthermore, a plant technician must provide technical support to employees, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Pilot plant technicians and plant technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot Plant Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Average salary | $55,161 | $46,164 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $70,000 | Between $31,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bridgeport, CT | Kent, WA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Koppers | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a pilot plant technician and a plant technician in terms of educational background:
| Pilot Plant Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | - |
Here are the differences between pilot plant technicians' and plant technicians' demographics:
| Pilot Plant Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |