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The differences between water 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 water operator and a utility plant operative. Additionally, a water operator has an average salary of $43,748, which is higher than the $42,253 average annual salary of a utility plant operative.
The top three skills for a water operator include treatment facilities, water samples and CDL. The most important skills for a utility plant operative are plant equipment, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC.
| Water Operator | Utility Plant Operative | |
| Yearly salary | $43,748 | $42,253 |
| Hourly rate | $21.03 | $20.31 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,012 | 19,159 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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.
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.
Water operators and utility plant operatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Operator | Utility Plant Operative | |
| Average salary | $43,748 | $42,253 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $29,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | Highland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | Yale University |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a water operator and a utility plant operative in terms of educational background:
| Water Operator | Utility Plant Operative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water operators' and utility plant operatives' demographics:
| Water Operator | Utility Plant Operative | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5% |
| 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, 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% |