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The differences between water technicians 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 technician and an auxiliary operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $38,723 average annual salary of a water technician.
The top three skills for a water technician include customer service, work ethic and hand tools. The most important skills for an auxiliary operator are control room, water chemistry, and emergency situations.
| Water Technician | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,723 | $60,040 |
| Hourly rate | $18.62 | $28.87 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 34,702 | 32,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Typically working at water treatment facilities, a water technician specializes in installing and repairing equipment to ensure the good quality of water and consumers' safety. It is their duty to operate tools and equipment, gather and analyze samples to detect any contaminants, participate in adjusting chemical levels, and perform regular maintenance checks on machines to ensure efficiency. They must also keep records of all operations, producing progress reports as needed. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth workflow.
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 technicians and auxiliary operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Technician | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,723 | $60,040 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $53,000 | Between $43,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | - |
| Best paying company | Vishay | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a water technician and an auxiliary operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Technician | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water technicians' and auxiliary operators' demographics:
| Water Technician | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | 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% |