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The differences between water operators and water plant 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 water plant operator. Additionally, a water plant operator has an average salary of $45,853, 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 water plant operator are water treatment plant, plant equipment, and water samples.
| Water Operator | Water Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,748 | $45,853 |
| Hourly rate | $21.03 | $22.04 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,012 | 39,348 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| 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.
Water Plant Operators are responsible for managing and monitoring the processes of a water treatment plant. Their duties include operating treatment plants and apparatus, cleaning screens and filters, adding chemicals, monitoring gas and water levels, taking reading as well as inspecting wastewater and water samples. They are responsible for interpreting sample analysis results, resolving technical faults from gathered data as well as organizing general maintenance and repair work. Water Plant Operators also assess chemical stock levels, hazardous conditions, and risks during their day to day work.
Water operators and water plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Operator | Water Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,748 | $45,853 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $32,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | Stockton, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | Santa Clara Valley Water District |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a water operator and a water plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Operator | Water Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between water operators' and water plant operators' demographics:
| Water Operator | Water Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |