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The differences between process plant operators and process 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 plant operator and a process operator. Additionally, a process plant operator has an average salary of $41,902, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.
The top three skills for a process plant operator include plant operations, plant process and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.
| Process Plant Operator | Process Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $41,902 | $37,996 |
| Hourly rate | $20.15 | $18.27 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 61,085 | 83,478 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years. They will be called upon to oversee and manage the production process of a manufacturing plant, as well as monitor equipment to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety in said plant.
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.
Process plant operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Plant Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average salary | $41,902 | $37,996 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $62,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | - | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | - | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a process plant operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:
| Process Plant Operator | Process Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between process plant operators' and process operators' demographics:
| Process Plant Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 6% |