Unit operator vs plant operator

The differences between unit operators and plant operators 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 plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, which is higher than the $41,192 average annual salary of a unit operator.

The top three skills for a unit operator include asphalt, plant equipment and safety procedures. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.

Unit operator vs plant operator overview

	Unit Operator	Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$41,192	$42,697
Hourly rate	$19.80	$20.53
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	47,545	43,388
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	40	47
Years of experience	2	12

Unit operator vs plant operator salary

Unit operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Unit Operator	Plant Operator
Average salary	$41,192	$42,697
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $62,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	Plymouth, MN	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Idaho
Best paying company	Applied Materials	NW Natural
Best paying industry	Energy	Finance

Differences between unit operator and plant operator education

There are a few differences between a unit operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:

	Unit Operator	Plant Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Unit operator vs plant operator demographics

Here are the differences between unit operators' and plant operators' demographics:

	Unit Operator	Plant Operator
Average age	40	47
Gender ratio	Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5%
LGBT Percentage	2%	5%

Differences between unit operator and plant operator 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.

Plant operator example responsibilities.

Manage and operate the DCS system or control board.
Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Used basic math skills to calculate the weight of the ammonia by the price it are per ton.
Operate compressors, scrubbers, pipeline, pumps, coolers, and evaporators to liquefy or compress gas.
Maintain and repair all equipment involve in plant processes to keep within OSHA safety standards and EPA environmental codes.

Unit operator vs plant operator skills

Common unit operator skills

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

Common plant operator skills

Plant Equipment, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Boilers, 5%
Minor Maintenance, 4%
Ladders, 4%