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The differences between washer operators and assistant operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a washer operator, becoming an assistant operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $31,789 average annual salary of a washer operator.
The top three skills for a washer operator include safety standards, dryers and car wash. The most important skills for an assistant operator are customer service, ladders, and safety procedures.
| Washer Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,789 | $37,607 |
| Hourly rate | $15.28 | $18.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 75,715 | 88,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
Washer operators and assistant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Washer Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,789 | $37,607 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $28,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Belvidere, IL | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Siemens | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a washer operator and an assistant operator in terms of educational background:
| Washer Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between washer operators' and assistant operators' demographics:
| Washer Operator | Assistant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 6% |