Chemical Plant and System Operators
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
SOC: 51-8091.00
Common Job Titles
- Chemical Operator
- Loader Technician
- Process Operator
- Process Technician
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Chemical Plant and System Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
17,840
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $48,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $57,080. 50th percentile: U.S. $73,540. 75th percentile: U.S. $98,050. 90th percentile: U.S. $107,790. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $48,000 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $107,790 |
| Workers on average earn | $76,290 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Chemistry3.7/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Alarm management system software
- Coordinated incident management system CIMS software
- Distributed control system DCS
- Interlock shutdown systems
Tools & Equipment
- Agitator tanks
- Air conditioning systems
- Axial flow fans
- Barometers
- Belt conveyors
- Blending vessels
- Boilers
- Bourdon tubes