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The differences between wireline operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a wireline operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Wireline Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,448 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $20.89 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 35,693 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A wireline operator specializes in handling and directing wireline equipment, tools, and instruments, ensuring safety and efficiency. Part of their job is to assess and analyze project requirements, install cables according to protocols and guidelines, control equipment up and down, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs as necessary. When it comes to employment, a wireline operator may work for mining, oil, and gas companies. Due to the risks surrounding the job, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the site's safety policies and standards.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Wireline operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireline Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,448 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $59,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a wireline operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Wireline Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between wireline operators' and operators' demographics:
| Wireline Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 1.2% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |