Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between utility operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a utility operator has an average salary of $38,693, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Utility Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | - |
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.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Utility operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | BD |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |