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The differences between plant technicians and process plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a plant technician, becoming a process plant operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a plant technician has an average salary of $46,164, which is higher than the $41,902 average annual salary of a process plant operator.
The top three skills for a plant technician include preventive maintenance, ladders and data collection. The most important skills for a process plant operator are plant operations, plant process, and minor maintenance.
| Plant Technician | Process Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,164 | $41,902 |
| Hourly rate | $22.19 | $20.15 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 146,543 | 61,085 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.
Plant technicians and process plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Technician | Process Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,164 | $41,902 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $67,000 | Between $28,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | - |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | - |
There are a few differences between a plant technician and a process plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Plant Technician | Process Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plant technicians' and process plant operators' demographics:
| Plant Technician | Process Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 11% |