Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between pipeline operators and plant 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 pipeline operator, becoming a plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a pipeline operator has an average salary of $46,175, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.
The top three skills for a pipeline operator include DOT, pipeline operations and scrubbers. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
| Pipeline Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,175 | $42,697 |
| Hourly rate | $22.20 | $20.53 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 30,609 | 43,388 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
The job of a pipeline operator is to control the flow of gas, oil, and other materials being sent through pipelines at refineries or power plants. Your day-to-day duties typically include conducting routine inspections and maintenance of the pipeline systems, training new staff members on procedures and policies, and operating petroleum processing or refining units. In addition, you will be responsible for gauging oil in storage tanks, controlling pumping systems, and regulating oil flow into pipelines.
A plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records. A plant operator may also respond to inquiries and issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and provide corrective measures. Furthermore, a plant operator must conduct regular inspection and maintenance to ensure a safe work environment for everyone, all while implementing the plant's safety policies and regulations.
Pipeline operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipeline Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,175 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $68,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Idaho |
| Best paying company | - | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a pipeline operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Pipeline Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between pipeline operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Pipeline Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |