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The differences between utility operators and assistant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a utility operator, becoming an assistant operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a utility operator has an average salary of $38,693, which is higher than the $37,607 average annual salary of an assistant operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.
| Utility Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $37,607 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $18.08 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 88,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Utility Operators are skilled employees who work with different machines, fixtures, and equipment. They operate a number of machines related to the maintenance of office facilities. Such machines include wastewater filtration systems, manufacturing equipment, and cabling works, among others. They also manage water pipes, machine gauges, and electrical cables. Utility Operators manage the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of industrial machines. They should know how to check whether the machines or equipment are working properly. When equipped with the proper tools and knowledge, they may also conduct repairs on the different machines they handle.
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
Utility operators and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $37,607 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $28,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and assistant operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |