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The differences between water operators and water treatment technicians 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 treatment technician. Additionally, a water treatment technician has an average salary of $44,399, 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 treatment technician are PPE, water samples, and waste water.
| Water Operator | Water Treatment Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,748 | $44,399 |
| Hourly rate | $21.03 | $21.35 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,012 | 16,677 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| 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 treatment technicians work every day in observing agricultural plant functions, which includes obtaining the daily requirements and making suitable adjustments to satisfy those demands. They carefully implement process sampling to exactly gauge and keep track of levels. Also, they perform strictly with adjoining farming operations to form sure land implementation of treated wastewater is manageable. Additionally, they work with the operating management within the establishment and assist with the maintenance of environmental compliance procedures. Other duties include assisting them in transcribing and implementing technical regulatory obligations.
Water operators and water treatment technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Operator | Water Treatment Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,748 | $44,399 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $29,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bellevue, WA | Portland, ME |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | Vicor |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a water operator and a water treatment technician in terms of educational background:
| Water Operator | Water Treatment Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water operators' and water treatment technicians' demographics:
| Water Operator | Water Treatment Technician | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |