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Utility operator vs driver-utility worker

The differences between utility operators and driver-utility workers 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 driver-utility worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a utility operator has an average salary of $38,693, which is higher than the $32,043 average annual salary of a driver-utility worker.

The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a driver-utility worker are CDL, DOT, and post-trip inspections.

Utility operator vs driver-utility worker overview

Utility OperatorDriver-Utility Worker
Yearly salary$38,693$32,043
Hourly rate$18.60$15.41
Growth rate-7%4%
Number of jobs67,565896,358
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4748
Years of experience122

What does a utility operator do?

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.

What does a driver-utility worker do?

As more businesses are thriving, the need for supplies is increasing, and driver-utility workers are highly sought after. The driver-utility worker specializes in purchasing the needed products and then delivers them to the purchasers' address. They also repair and maintain utility automobiles, whether a car, van, or pick-up truck. They also deliver heavy equipment to construction sites.

Utility operator vs driver-utility worker salary

Utility operators and driver-utility workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Utility OperatorDriver-Utility Worker
Average salary$38,693$32,043
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $50,000Between $24,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityPortland, MEFargo, ND
Highest paying stateIdahoMontana
Best paying companyDignity HealthRich Products
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between utility operator and driver-utility worker education

There are a few differences between a utility operator and a driver-utility worker in terms of educational background:

Utility OperatorDriver-Utility Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeRensselaer Polytechnic Institute-

Utility operator vs driver-utility worker demographics

Here are the differences between utility operators' and driver-utility workers' demographics:

Utility OperatorDriver-Utility Worker
Average age4748
Gender ratioMale, 83.4% Female, 16.6%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage5%4%

Differences between utility operator and driver-utility worker duties and responsibilities

Utility operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage HVAC system and air handling system as far positive pressure systems and negative pressure systems.
  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Snow removal equipment: shovels, scrappers, blowers, spreaders.
  • Maintain equipment such as mowers, trimmers, trucks and trailers.
  • Record cup weights and line down-time, all paperwork require, including HACCP.
  • Operate ZTR and push mowers, along with string trimmers and hedge trimmers.
  • Show more

Driver-utility worker example responsibilities.

  • Load truck with appropriate product and deliver accordingly, return to warehouse for receiving and other warehouse duties including monthly inventory.
  • Used bulldozer to move/push unnecessary build out of vehicles ways.
  • Load cafeteria trays/silverware/cookware into commercial dishwasher.

Utility operator vs driver-utility worker skills

Common utility operator skills
  • Safety Standards, 23%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
  • Basic Math, 4%
Common driver-utility worker skills
  • CDL, 46%
  • DOT, 17%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Safety Regulations, 5%
  • GPS, 3%
  • Customer Orders, 3%

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