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The differences between plant operators and mechanics 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 mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.
The top three skills for a plant operator include plant equipment, plant operations and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Plant Operator | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,697 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $20.53 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 43,388 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| 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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Plant operators and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Operator | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,697 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $56,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | NW Natural | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a plant operator and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Plant Operator | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between plant operators' and mechanics' demographics:
| Plant Operator | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |