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The differences between washer operators and 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 operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Washer Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,789 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $15.28 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 75,715 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Washer operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Washer Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,789 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Belvidere, IL | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Siemens | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a washer operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Washer Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between washer operators' and operators' demographics:
| Washer Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |