Wastewater treatment operator vs utility plant operative

The differences between wastewater treatment operators and utility plant operatives 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 a utility plant operative. Additionally, a wastewater treatment operator has an average salary of $45,618, which is higher than the $42,253 average annual salary of a utility plant operative.

The top three skills for a wastewater treatment operator include plant equipment, process control and blowers. The most important skills for a utility plant operative are plant equipment, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC.

Wastewater treatment operator vs utility plant operative overview

	Wastewater Treatment Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Yearly salary	$45,618	$42,253
Hourly rate	$21.93	$20.31
Growth rate	-7%	-7%
Number of jobs	32,561	19,159
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 31%	Associate Degree, 41%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	12	12

What does a wastewater treatment operator do?

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.

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.

Wastewater treatment operator vs utility plant operative salary

Wastewater treatment operators and utility plant operatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Wastewater Treatment Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Average salary	$45,618	$42,253
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $64,000	Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	Mercer Island, WA	Highland, CA
Highest paying state	Idaho	Washington
Best paying company	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory	Yale University
Best paying industry	Professional	Energy

Differences between wastewater treatment operator and utility plant operative education

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

	Wastewater Treatment Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 31%	Associate Degree, 41%
Most common major	Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Wastewater treatment operator vs utility plant operative demographics

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

	Wastewater Treatment Operator	Utility Plant Operative
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%	Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%
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, 8.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between wastewater treatment operator and utility plant operative duties and responsibilities

Wastewater treatment operator example responsibilities.

Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Monitor plant and lift station performance by regularly checking SCADA system on computer.
Inspect facilities, equipment and plumbing for effects for corrosive, flammable and combustible gas.
Optimize internal controls and process to comply with new parameters set by EPA and JCA.
Review and remain current on OSHA standards and regulations for general industry and perform safety audits.
Utilize computers for SCADA monitoring, data input, work order tracking and other uses of technology.

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.

Wastewater treatment operator vs utility plant operative skills

Common wastewater treatment operator skills

Plant Equipment, 5%
Process Control, 5%
Blowers, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Ladders, 4%
Plant Operations, 4%

Common utility plant operative skills

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

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Wastewater Treatment Operator vs Utility Plant Operative

Updated January 8, 2025

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