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Septic tank installer vs back digger operator

The differences between septic tank installers and back digger operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a septic tank installer and a back digger operator. Additionally, a septic tank installer has an average salary of $42,987, which is higher than the $37,718 average annual salary of a back digger operator.

The top three skills for a septic tank installer include septic systems, septic tanks and DIG. The most important skills for a back digger operator are hand tools, PPE, and safety procedures.

Septic tank installer vs back digger operator overview

Septic Tank InstallerBack Digger Operator
Yearly salary$42,987$37,718
Hourly rate$20.67$18.13
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs19,26631,523
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 67%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Septic tank installer vs back digger operator salary

Septic tank installers and back digger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Septic Tank InstallerBack Digger Operator
Average salary$42,987$37,718
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $63,000Between $26,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between septic tank installer and back digger operator education

There are a few differences between a septic tank installer and a back digger operator in terms of educational background:

Septic Tank InstallerBack Digger Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 67%
Most common majorKinesiologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Septic tank installer vs back digger operator demographics

Here are the differences between septic tank installers' and back digger operators' demographics:

Septic Tank InstallerBack Digger Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between septic tank installer and back digger operator duties and responsibilities

Septic tank installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Install 3/4 - 3"pvc and ball valves.
  • Operate skidsteer and excavator to dig up and fill in trenches and leach field.
  • Operate various caterpillar excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders and other relate equipment to perform demolition on houses and infrastructure.
  • Rewire and redevise house and facilities.

Back digger operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Septic tank installer vs back digger operator skills

Common septic tank installer skills
  • Septic Systems, 39%
  • Septic Tanks, 26%
  • DIG, 20%
  • PVC, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
Common back digger operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 44%
  • PPE, 35%
  • Safety Procedures, 14%
  • CDL License, 7%

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