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The differences between process operators and assistant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a process operator and an assistant operator. Additionally, a process operator has an average salary of $37,996, which is higher than the $37,607 average annual salary of an assistant operator.
The top three skills for a process operator include safety procedures, preventative maintenance and team-oriented environment. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.
| Process Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,996 | $37,607 |
| Hourly rate | $18.27 | $18.08 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 83,478 | 88,093 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
Process operators and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,996 | $37,607 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $28,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a process operator and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between process operators' and assistant operators' demographics:
| Process Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |