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The differences between plant utilities engineers and utility workers 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 utility worker. Additionally, a plant utilities engineer has an average salary of $51,200, which is higher than the $30,429 average annual salary of a utility worker.
The top three skills for a plant utilities engineer include ventilation, plant utilities and loaders. The most important skills for a utility worker are customer service, safety procedures, and cleanliness.
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 utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property. Some employers may require their utility workers to have a commercial driver's license because they will be operating maintenance equipment and vehicles. Although a bachelor's degree is not required, utility workers must be in good physical condition and also be able to read written work orders.
Plant utilities engineers and utility workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Utility Worker | |
| Average salary | $51,200 | $30,429 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $74,000 | Between $23,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waipahu, HI | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | UGI |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a plant utilities engineer and a utility worker in terms of educational background:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Utility Worker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 50% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plant utilities engineers' and utility workers' demographics:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Utility Worker | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 4.7% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |