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The differences between water treatment operators 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 treatment operator and a water operator. Additionally, a water treatment operator has an average salary of $48,112, which is higher than the $43,748 average annual salary of a water operator.
The top three skills for a water treatment operator include water treatment plant, SCADA and water samples. The most important skills for a water operator are treatment facilities, water samples, and CDL.
| Water Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $48,112 | $43,748 |
| Hourly rate | $23.13 | $21.03 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,838 | 38,012 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| 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.
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 operators and water operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Water Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Average salary | $48,112 | $43,748 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $65,000 | Between $32,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Bellevue, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Continental Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a water treatment operator and a water operator in terms of educational background:
| Water Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between water treatment operators' and water operators' demographics:
| Water Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% |
| 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, 7.6% 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% |