Utility plant operative vs plant technician

The differences between utility plant operatives and plant technicians 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 plant operative, becoming a plant technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a plant technician has an average salary of $46,164, 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 technician are preventive maintenance, ladders, and data collection.

Utility plant operative vs plant technician overview

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Technician
Yearly salary	$42,253	$46,164
Hourly rate	$20.31	$22.19
Growth rate	-7%	5%
Number of jobs	19,159	146,543
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	12	4

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 technician do?

A plant technician is in charge of overseeing plant operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading machines and equipment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, implementing solutions to vulnerable or problem areas, and developing strategies to optimize plant operations. They must also perform regular maintenance checks, conducting corrective measures and adjustments as needed. Furthermore, a plant technician must provide technical support to employees, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Utility plant operative vs plant technician salary

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

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Technician
Average salary	$42,253	$46,164
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $31,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Highland, CA	Kent, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Yale University	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Energy	Utilities

Differences between utility plant operative and plant technician education

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

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Duke University	-

Utility plant operative vs plant technician demographics

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

	Utility Plant Operative	Plant Technician
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%	Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
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, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	2%

Differences between utility plant operative and plant technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

Manage documentation on all USDA and HACCP forms.
Perform and manage routine building maintenance tasks, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance.
Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
Used spectrophotometers, pH meters, and centrifuges.
Experience working with extruders, film manufacturing and processing.
Follow all company safety rules and good manufacturing practices (GMP's )

Utility plant operative vs plant technician 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 technician skills

Preventive Maintenance, 9%
Ladders, 9%
Data Collection, 8%
Electrical Troubleshooting, 7%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Math, 6%

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Utility Plant Operative
Utility Plant Operative vs Plant Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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