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The differences between utility operators and water 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 water treatment operator. Additionally, a water treatment operator has an average salary of $48,112, 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 water treatment operator are water treatment plant, SCADA, and water samples.
| Utility Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $48,112 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $23.13 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 32,838 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 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 water treatment operator oversees the daily operations at water treatment plants, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Among their responsibilities include operating machines and equipment, collecting and testing water samples, maintaining records of meter and gauge readings, and adding chemicals according to protocols. They must also keep the cleanliness of facilities, monitor the meters and gauges, and perform equipment adjustments when necessary. Moreover, a water treatment operator must adhere to safety policies and government regulations and conduct inspections to ensure compliance in other areas.
Utility operators and water treatment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $48,112 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $35,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a water treatment operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Duke University |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and water treatment operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Water 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |