Utility plant operative vs plant operator

The differences between utility plant operatives 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 plant operative and a plant operator. Additionally, a plant operator has an average salary of $42,697, which is higher than the $42,253 average annual salary of a utility plant operative.

The top three skills for a utility plant operative include plant equipment, auxiliary equipment and HVAC. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.

Utility plant operative vs plant operator overview

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$42,253	$42,697
Hourly rate	$20.31	$20.53
Growth rate	-7%	-7%
Number of jobs	19,159	43,388
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	12	12

What does a utility plant operative do?

A utility plant operator monitors, operates, repairs, and maintains utility equipment and systems. Utility plant operators work on the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They operate and maintain a drainage and sewerage system as well as a neutralized acid waste system. The skills and knowledge they need include electronic control systems, underground cables, and the electrical generating system characteristics. Also, they are expected to know the basics of electrical practice.

What does a plant operator do?

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 plant operative vs plant operator salary

Utility plant operatives and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Operator
Average salary	$42,253	$42,697
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	Highland, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Idaho
Best paying company	Yale University	NW Natural
Best paying industry	Energy	Finance

Differences between utility plant operative and plant operator education

There are a few differences between a utility plant operative and a plant operator in terms of educational background:

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Operator
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Utility plant operative vs plant operator demographics

Here are the differences between utility plant operatives' and plant operators' demographics:

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% 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%

Differences between utility plant operative and plant operator duties and responsibilities

Utility plant operative example responsibilities.

Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Conduct work in an FDA regulate environment.
Enforce and comply with operational guidelines, OSHA and EPA regulations.
Maintain compliance with state regulators, cGMP, FDA and insurance company.
Last year of employment work include 20 hour each week doing plumbing work exclusively.
Perform some plumbing repairs, minor electrical work, some carpentry, plus general maintenance at plant and offices.

Plant operator example responsibilities.

Manage and operate the DCS system or control board.
Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Used basic math skills to calculate the weight of the ammonia by the price it are per ton.
Operate compressors, scrubbers, pipeline, pumps, coolers, and evaporators to liquefy or compress gas.
Maintain and repair all equipment involve in plant processes to keep within OSHA safety standards and EPA environmental codes.

Utility plant operative vs plant operator skills

Common utility plant operative skills

Plant Equipment, 9%
Auxiliary Equipment, 7%
HVAC, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Control Systems, 5%
Cooling Towers, 5%

Common plant operator skills

Plant Equipment, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Boilers, 5%
Minor Maintenance, 4%
Ladders, 4%

Utility Plant Operative vs. similar jobs

Utility Plant Operative related careers

Utility Plant Operative related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Utility Plant Operative
Utility Plant Operative vs Plant Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs