Unit operator vs certified medical technician

The differences between unit operators and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a unit operator, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a unit operator has an average salary of $41,192, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a unit operator include asphalt, plant equipment and safety procedures. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Unit operator vs certified medical technician overview

	Unit Operator	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$41,192	$38,859
Hourly rate	$19.80	$18.68
Growth rate	7%	5%
Number of jobs	47,545	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	40	44
Years of experience	2	12

Unit operator vs certified medical technician salary

Unit operators and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Unit Operator	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$41,192	$38,859
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $62,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Plymouth, MN	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Alaska
Best paying company	Applied Materials	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Energy	Health Care

Differences between unit operator and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a unit operator and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

	Unit Operator	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	-	University of Connecticut

Unit operator vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between unit operators' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

	Unit Operator	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	40	44
Gender ratio	Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	8%

Differences between unit operator and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Unit operator example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
Drill frac plugs in time efficient manner.
Coordinate, and execute safety programs, JSA's, and reports.
Make Maximo request to get desire jobs put on schedule for repairs.
Perform LOTO procedures for equipment in preparation for maintenance or safety concerns.
Perform day to day operational oversight and maintenance over numerous distillation and utility units in a cresylic acid manufacturing facility.

Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.

Unit operator vs certified medical technician skills

Common unit operator skills

Asphalt, 27%
Plant Equipment, 21%
Safety Procedures, 11%
Control Room, 7%
Unit Operations, 6%
Rig, 4%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

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Unit Operator vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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