Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between water plant 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 plant operator and an auxiliary operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $45,853 average annual salary of a water plant operator.
The top three skills for a water plant operator include water treatment plant, plant equipment and water samples. The most important skills for an auxiliary operator are control room, water chemistry, and emergency situations.
| Water Plant Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,853 | $60,040 |
| Hourly rate | $22.04 | $28.87 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 39,348 | 32,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
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 plant operators and auxiliary operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Plant Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average salary | $45,853 | $60,040 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $65,000 | Between $43,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Stockton, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Santa Clara Valley Water District | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a water plant operator and an auxiliary operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Plant Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water plant operators' and auxiliary operators' demographics:
| Water Plant Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |