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The differences between water operators and distribution system 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 a distribution system operator. Additionally, a distribution system operator has an average salary of $58,785, 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 a distribution system operator are safety procedures, gauges, and minor maintenance.
| Water Operator | Distribution System Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,748 | $58,785 |
| Hourly rate | $21.03 | $28.26 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,012 | 51,063 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Water operators and distribution system operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Operator | Distribution System Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,748 | $58,785 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $24,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | New Bedford, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a water operator and a distribution system operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Operator | Distribution System Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between water operators' and distribution system operators' demographics:
| Water Operator | Distribution System Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |