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The differences between utility operators and chemical 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 chemical operator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a chemical operator has an average salary of $40,526, 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 chemical operator are safety procedures, math, and process equipment.
| Utility Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $40,526 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $19.48 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 36,522 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
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 chemical operator is responsible for maintaining heavy machines and equipment for chemical processing operations. Chemical operators inspect machinery for any malfunctions, perform immediate repairs, and replace defective components as needed to ensure the equipment's safety and efficiency. They carefully handle chemicals, observe the mixing process, and support process development by assisting on strategic procedures to maximize productivity and plan initiatives. A chemical operator must adhere to the safety protocols of the production, especially on storing chemicals, recording information to the database, and operating machines.
Utility operators and chemical operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $40,526 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $31,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | New York |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Westinghouse Appliances Australia |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a chemical operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and chemical operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Chemical Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 4.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 11% |