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The differences between terminal operators and process operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a terminal operator, becoming a process operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.
The top three skills for a terminal operator include loaders, cranes and rail cars. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.
| Terminal Operator | Process Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,948 | $37,996 |
| Hourly rate | $19.21 | $18.27 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 43,328 | 83,478 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A terminal operator is responsible for assisting daily operations within the transportation or manufacturing agencies. Terminal operators inspect the stability and efficiency of equipment and machinery to ensure its optimal performance during operational processes. They conduct quality control tests to determine inconsistencies in terminal functions and strategize techniques to enhance distribution policies. A terminal operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to maintain terminal equipment and assist the team in performing duties to achieve business goals and objectives.
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.
Terminal operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Terminal Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,948 | $37,996 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $48,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a terminal operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:
| Terminal Operator | Process Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between terminal operators' and process operators' demographics:
| Terminal Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 4% | 6% |