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The differences between plant utilities engineers and handymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a plant utilities engineer and a handyman. Additionally, a plant utilities engineer has an average salary of $51,200, which is higher than the $44,648 average annual salary of a handyman.
The top three skills for a plant utilities engineer include ventilation, plant utilities and loaders. The most important skills for a handyman are plumbing, customer service, and drywall repair.
Plant utilities engineers must have basic knowledge of commercial electrical systems and testing equipment, high temperature water distribution, and HVAC control systems. Qualifications will vary depending on the company; they range from a high school diploma or GED to associate degrees in plant utilities technology or completion of a trade school program. Those who choose this career will be expected to maintain and operate the mechanical equipment in a utilities plant.
A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company. Furthermore, a handyman must also discuss the extent of repairs to clients, even sharing insights on maintaining facilities in good condition. There are instances when a handyman may be required to work in a group setting, which requires an active line of communication and coordination.
Plant utilities engineers and handymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Handyman | |
| Average salary | $51,200 | $44,648 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $74,000 | Between $32,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waipahu, HI | Silver Spring, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | The American Musical and Dramatic Academy |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Construction |
There are a few differences between a plant utilities engineer and a handyman in terms of educational background:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Handyman | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plant utilities engineers' and handymen' demographics:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Handyman | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 5.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 4.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |