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The differences between plant operators and field operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a plant operator, becoming a field operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, which is higher than the $42,202 average annual salary of a field operator.
The top three skills for a plant operator include plant equipment, plant operations and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a field operator are CDL, hand tools, and end loaders.
| Plant Operator | Field Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,697 | $42,202 |
| Hourly rate | $20.53 | $20.29 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 43,388 | 81,407 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 47 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
A field operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery and resolve operational system failures. Field operators analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble machine components and secure its performance stability. They also upgrade parts and systems and recommend cost-reduction resources from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A field operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform troubleshooting procedures, adhering to safety procedures, and following guidelines to prevent operational hazards and manufacturing delays.
Plant operators and field operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Operator | Field Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,697 | $42,202 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $56,000 | Between $29,000 And $60,000 |
| 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 plant operator and a field operator in terms of educational background:
| Plant Operator | Field Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between plant operators' and field operators' demographics:
| Plant Operator | Field Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 1.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |