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The differences between plant utilities engineers and maintenance lead technicians 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 maintenance lead technician. Additionally, a plant utilities engineer has an average salary of $51,200, which is higher than the $50,662 average annual salary of a maintenance lead technician.
The top three skills for a plant utilities engineer include ventilation, plant utilities and loaders. The most important skills for a maintenance lead technician are preventative maintenance, customer service, and plumbing.
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 maintenance lead technician oversees the daily maintenance operations of a department or establishment. Their duties revolve around conducting inspections and regular maintenance checks on facilities and equipment, performing repairs as necessary. They are also responsible for troubleshooting issues, fixing and replacing components, cleaning different areas, installing fixtures, and providing technical support to employees. Additionally, a maintenance lead technician guides and trains junior technicians while implementing the company's policies and safety standards for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Plant utilities engineers and maintenance lead technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,200 | $50,662 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $74,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waipahu, HI | Roseville, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a plant utilities engineer and a maintenance lead technician in terms of educational background:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plant utilities engineers' and maintenance lead technicians' demographics:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.7% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |