Unit operator vs tube operator

The differences between unit operators and tube 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 unit operator and a tube operator. Additionally, a unit operator has an average salary of $41,192, which is higher than the $39,819 average annual salary of a tube operator.

The top three skills for a unit operator include asphalt, plant equipment and safety procedures. The most important skills for a tube operator are CDL, post-job, and post-trip inspections.

Unit operator vs tube operator overview

	Unit Operator	Tube Operator
Yearly salary	$41,192	$39,819
Hourly rate	$19.80	$19.14
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	47,545	33,235
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 46%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Unit operator vs tube operator salary

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

	Unit Operator	Tube Operator
Average salary	$41,192	$39,819
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $62,000	Between $28,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	Plymouth, MN	-
Highest paying state	Minnesota	-
Best paying company	Applied Materials	-
Best paying industry	Energy	-

Differences between unit operator and tube operator education

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

	Unit Operator	Tube Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 46%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Unit operator vs tube operator demographics

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

	Unit Operator	Tube Operator
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5%	Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.2% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between unit operator and tube 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.

Tube operator example responsibilities.

Manage HDD drilling unit, logging permit, transportation and laboratory analysis.
Receive first aid certifications, H2S training, Hazmat awareness training, CPR and various other training classes.
Perform downhole stimulation on oil and gas wells with and without H2S and with high and low bottom hole pressures.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Utilize proper PPE, FRC's, fire retardant clothing, glasses, hardhat and proper boots and gloves.
Use only clean material and PPE when inspecting fluid levels.

Unit operator vs tube operator skills

Common unit operator skills

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

Common tube operator skills

CDL, 21%
Post-Job, 18%
Post-Trip Inspections, 15%
Safety Rules, 7%
Equipment Inspections, 7%
Oil Gas, 5%