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The differences between utility operators and process 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 process operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a utility operator has an average salary of $38,693, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.
| Utility Operator | Process Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $37,996 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $18.27 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 83,478 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| 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 process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
Utility operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $37,996 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Process Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and process operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Process Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |