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The differences between water 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 water operator and an auxiliary operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $43,748 average annual salary of a water operator.
The top three skills for a water operator include treatment facilities, water samples and CDL. The most important skills for an auxiliary operator are control room, water chemistry, and emergency situations.
| Water Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,748 | $60,040 |
| Hourly rate | $21.03 | $28.87 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,012 | 32,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A water operator usually works at water treatment plants and establishments where they are primarily in charge of processing water according to guidelines and health protocols. Their responsibilities usually revolve around monitoring equipment and procedures, gathering and analyzing water samples, performing necessary adjustments, reading and recording meters, and maintaining the cleanliness of facilities while adhering to the standards and regulations. Moreover, a water operator must maintain an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Water operators and auxiliary operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,748 | $60,040 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $43,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a water operator and an auxiliary operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water operators' and auxiliary operators' demographics:
| Water Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% | 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% |