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The differences between utility operators and wastewater treatment 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 wastewater treatment operator. Additionally, a wastewater treatment operator has an average salary of $45,618, 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 wastewater treatment operator are plant equipment, process control, and blowers.
| Utility Operator | Wastewater Treatment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $45,618 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $21.93 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 32,561 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| 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 wastewater treatment operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations in water treatment plans, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their duties include coordinating with different staff, operating controls and systems, gathering water samples, maintaining the cleanliness of all areas and equipment, and monitoring the progress of all operations. They must also keep accurate records of data, reporting progress to managers or supervisors. Furthermore, as a wastewater treatment operator, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Utility operators and wastewater treatment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Wastewater Treatment Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $45,618 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $32,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Mercer Island, WA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Professional |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a wastewater treatment operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Wastewater Treatment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Duke University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and wastewater treatment operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Wastewater Treatment Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% |
| 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |