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The differences between water technicians and water 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 a water operator. Additionally, a water operator has an average salary of $43,748, 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 a water operator are treatment facilities, water samples, and CDL.
| Water Technician | Water Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,723 | $43,748 |
| Hourly rate | $18.62 | $21.03 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 34,702 | 38,012 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| 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.
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 technicians and water operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Technician | Water Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,723 | $43,748 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $53,000 | Between $32,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Bellevue, WA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Vishay | Continental Resources |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a water technician and a water operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Technician | Water Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water technicians' and water operators' demographics:
| Water Technician | Water Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% |
| 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |