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The differences between plant utilities engineers and plant engineers 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 utilities engineer, becoming a plant engineer takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a plant engineer has an average salary of $93,949, which is higher than the $51,200 average annual salary of a plant utilities engineer.
The top three skills for a plant utilities engineer include ventilation, plant utilities and loaders. The most important skills for a plant engineer are HVAC, project management, and plant operations.
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 Plant Engineer is responsible for directing the smooth operation of the plant. They plan and coordinate activities concerned with the design, construction, modification, and maintenance of equipment and machinery in an industrial plant.
Plant utilities engineers and plant engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Plant Engineer | |
| Average salary | $51,200 | $93,949 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $74,000 | Between $67,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waipahu, HI | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Bunge |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a plant utilities engineer and a plant engineer in terms of educational background:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Plant Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between plant utilities engineers' and plant engineers' demographics:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Plant Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% |
| 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, 3.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% Asian, 9.2% White, 69.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 8% |