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The differences between utility operators and plant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a utility operator and a plant operator. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, 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 plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
| Utility Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $42,697 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $20.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 43,388 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 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.
A plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records. A plant operator may also respond to inquiries and issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and provide corrective measures. Furthermore, a plant operator must conduct regular inspection and maintenance to ensure a safe work environment for everyone, all while implementing the plant's safety policies and regulations.
Utility operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |