Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Chemical Plant and System Operators salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Chemical Plant and System Operators is a professional role within the function in the Production job family.
Typical entry preparation: High School Diploma and up to 1 year of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
Top skills:Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive Listening
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Chemical Plant and System Operators pay by experience level
Entry level$50,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$62,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$81,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$102,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$116,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-6.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,600
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Chemical Plant and System Operators salary by industry
Chemical Manufacturing
13,380 workers
$84,000
Chemical Manufacturing (3251, 3252, 3253, and 3259 only)
11,340 workers
$87,000
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
1,410 workers
$64,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
820 workers
$74,500
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
650 workers
$65,000
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4242 and 4246 only)
650 workers
$65,000
Scientific Research and Development Services
640 workers
$72,500
Chemical Manufacturing (3255 and 3256 only)
630 workers
$76,500
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
570 workers
$106,000
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
570 workers
$106,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Non-exempt · Service, trades, or production work
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay under FLSA rules. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Chemical Plant and System Operators pays 48% above the average across 112 roles in the Production job family (family average $56,000).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Chemical Plant and System Operators make?
The average base salary for a Chemical Plant and System Operators in the United States is $83,000 per year, or about $39.90 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $62,500 and $102,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Production roles?
The Production job family averages $56,000 across 112 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Chemical Plant and System Operators pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
