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The differences between wastewater treatment operators and auxiliary 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 wastewater treatment operator and an auxiliary operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $45,618 average annual salary of a wastewater treatment operator.
The top three skills for a wastewater treatment operator include plant equipment, process control and blowers. The most important skills for an auxiliary operator are control room, water chemistry, and emergency situations.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,618 | $60,040 |
| Hourly rate | $21.93 | $28.87 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,561 | 32,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A wastewater treatment operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations in water treatment plans, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their duties include coordinating with different staff, operating controls and systems, gathering water samples, maintaining the cleanliness of all areas and equipment, and monitoring the progress of all operations. They must also keep accurate records of data, reporting progress to managers or supervisors. Furthermore, as a wastewater treatment operator, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
An auxiliary operator controls and oversees various auxiliary equipment at facilities on a daily basis, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include conducting equipment readings, operating machinery and devices, maintaining records of procedures, and performing adjustments as needed. They may also gather samples for laboratory analysis, conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks, and maintain the cleanliness of areas. Moreover, it is vital for an auxiliary operator to maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a safe and efficient work environment.
Wastewater treatment operators and auxiliary operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average salary | $45,618 | $60,040 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $64,000 | Between $43,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mercer Island, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | - |
| Best paying company | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | - |
| Best paying industry | Professional | - |
There are a few differences between a wastewater treatment operator and an auxiliary operator in terms of educational background:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between wastewater treatment operators' and auxiliary operators' demographics:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |