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The differences between utility operators and stationary engineers 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 stationary engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a stationary engineer has an average salary of $69,163, 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 stationary engineer are HVAC, preventive maintenance, and plumbing.
| Utility Operator | Stationary Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $69,163 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $33.25 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 5,010 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| 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.
Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines. They are also trained to conduct maintenance checks and basic repairs on such equipment. Stationary Engineers should be able to read gauges on the machines and assess the fuel levels. They are expected to monitor the machines and equipment and to track the operations. They are also expected to record and document the performance of the equipment. Sationary Engineers should know how to test the quality of the machines' outputs. This would help them manage the equipment.
Utility operators and stationary engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Stationary Engineer | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $69,163 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $44,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | New York |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a stationary engineer in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Stationary Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and stationary engineers' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Stationary Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |