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The differences between utility operators and boiler 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 a boiler operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a boiler operator has an average salary of $49,782, which is higher than the $38,693 average annual salary of a utility operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.
| Utility Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $49,782 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $23.93 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 32,715 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| 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.
A boiler operator specializes in the maintenance and repair of boiler machines and similar facilities in industrial establishments such as warehouses, power plants, and factories. As a boiler operator, it is their responsibility to monitor and operate systems and equipment, perform adjustments, observe factors such as temperature and pressure, write daily records, and replace equipment parts as needed. They may also maintain the cleanliness of areas, keeping supplies organized at all times. Furthermore, a boiler operator must conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Utility operators and boiler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $49,782 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $35,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Ithaca, NY |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | New York |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Southeastern Med |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a boiler operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Engineering |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and boiler operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |