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The differences between water treatment 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 treatment operator and an auxiliary operator. Additionally, an auxiliary operator has an average salary of $60,040, which is higher than the $48,112 average annual salary of a water treatment operator.
The top three skills for a water treatment operator include water treatment plant, SCADA and water samples. The most important skills for an auxiliary operator are control room, water chemistry, and emergency situations.
| Water Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $48,112 | $60,040 |
| Hourly rate | $23.13 | $28.87 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,838 | 32,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A water treatment operator oversees the daily operations at water treatment plants, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Among their responsibilities include operating machines and equipment, collecting and testing water samples, maintaining records of meter and gauge readings, and adding chemicals according to protocols. They must also keep the cleanliness of facilities, monitor the meters and gauges, and perform equipment adjustments when necessary. Moreover, a water treatment operator must adhere to safety policies and government regulations and conduct inspections to ensure compliance in other areas.
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 treatment operators and auxiliary operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average salary | $48,112 | $60,040 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $65,000 | Between $43,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a water treatment operator and an auxiliary operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water treatment operators' and auxiliary operators' demographics:
| Water Treatment Operator | Auxiliary Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% | 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% |