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The differences between utility operators and manufacturing 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 manufacturing operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a utility operator has an average salary of $38,693, which is higher than the $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a manufacturing operator are basic math, GMP, and math.
| Utility Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $34,457 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $16.57 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 97,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| 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 manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
Utility operators and manufacturing operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $34,457 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Fort Collins, CO |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | DuPont |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a manufacturing operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and manufacturing operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Manufacturing Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |