what is a plant operator?

A plant operator is a professional who operates, monitors and maintains machinery in an industrial plant. Your job involves using machines like cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers and trenchers. You perform jobs like excavation, lifting, crushing rocks and transporting materials from one place to another. Many modern industrial plants have highly automated machines and equipment that use computer controls to handle different processes. In such cases, you monitor progress, observe the gauges, check the valves and operate alarms and switches from a centralized control room.

As a plant operator, you work in a broad range of industries. You could land a job in power, utilities, water treatment or chemical plants. The manufacturing, gas and oil industries also hire plant operators. Some plant operators specialize in a particular type of machinery, so they work on a single part of the industrial process. If you want higher-paying job offers, it is advisable to develop skills in a range of machines and equipment so you can work in all parts of the process.

Would working as a plant operator suit your ability to focus? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a plant operator role.

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average plant operator salary

A report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that as a plant operator, you are likely to earn around $60,070 annually and on an hourly basis, you will earn $28.88 on average. However, if you are a plant operator at an entry-level, your take-home pay will be around $35,136 per year.

It is safe to say that the salaries of plant operators vary widely, depending on the level of experience, certifications and type of job. Also, the size of the company you are working in as a plant operator determines how much you earn on a monthly basis.

Salary increments usually depend on experience levels and credentials. When you have more experience, your expertise improves your salary prospects. Completing additional training courses also boosts your compensation package. You can increase your salary prospects by specializing in specific plant operations. For instance, power plant operators earn higher salaries than construction plant operators.

Wondering what you can earn as a plant operator? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a plant operator is.

 

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types of plant operators

The types of plant operators depend on the industry of specialization. Some include:

  • construction plant operators: As a construction plant operator, you operate construction machinery and equipment. For instance, you use dumper trucks and bulldozers or operate 360 excavators to dig foundations. You also use cranes to move construction materials.
  • power plant operators: Your job is to manage the operations of a power plant facility. You control and monitor the performance of power-generating equipment. You also clean and maintain the power plant to improve safety.
  • chemical plant operators: As a chemical plant operator, you control and operate the machinery that makes chemical products like cosmetics and paints.
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working as a plant operator

If you are looking forward to being a plant operator, take the time to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, working conditions, work schedules and job outlook.

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plant operator skills and education

There are several routes for becoming a plant operator. These routes include:

  • high school or general educational development (GED) diploma: The GED test consists of four subjects: social studies, science, math and language arts. Passing a GED test earns you a high school equivalency credential. According to bestcolleges.com, you need to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma at a minimum to be a plant operator.
  • technical school background: You can also become a plant operator by going to a community college or vocational school. These institutions provide both classroom and hands-on experience to help increase your chances of being successful as a plant operator.
  • other aptitudes: An aptitude test for science, math or computer skills may be requested to work as a plant operator. Furthermore, experience in the military or firefighting is highly recommended. Another thing to note is that, like other operators working in nuclear power plants, you have to consult with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to obtain a license. Created in 1974 by Congress, the U.S. NRC is an independent agency, which ensures that radioactive materials are safely used to benefit civilians and protect the environment.

skills and competencies

You need the following skill sets to succeed as a plant operator:

  • problem-solving skills: As a plant operator, you need to possess the ability to find and quickly solve problems which may arise with controls and equipment.
  • concentration skills: You also need to be persistent, attentive, careful and able to pay attention to detail. You must be able to focus on a task for a significant amount of time without being distracted. The concentration skill is vital since you will be monitoring the temperature of reactors that requires maximum focus to reduce the percentage of errors.
  • mechanical skills: You also need to know how to use tools and work with machines. You have to be familiar with how to operate, maintain and repair equipment so you can effectively as a plant operator.
  • dexterity: Dexterity requires that you use repeated and precise motions when working in a control room.
  • attention to detail: A detail-oriented focus is an important skill in the sense that it ensures you monitor intricate machinery and complex controls to make sure everything is working as expected.

To become a fully qualified plant operator, you must have several years of experience under your belt. You also need to undergo solid on-site training for a significant amount of time.

woman doing operations
woman doing operations
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FAQs about working as a plant operator

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about plant operators.

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