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The differences between process operators and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a process operator, becoming a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.
The top three skills for a process operator include safety procedures, preventative maintenance and team-oriented environment. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Process Operator | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $37,996 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $18.27 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 83,478 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Process operators and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Operator | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $37,996 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a process operator and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Operator | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between process operators' and process engineers' demographics:
| Process Operator | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |