Chemical equipment operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9011Also known as:
Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Bleacher, Acid Cleaner, Acid Concentrator
Median Annual Salary
$57,090
+3.3% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
129K
Current Jobs
What Chemical equipment operators and tenders Do
Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
💰 Salary
$57,090
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
128,900
Projected Employment (2034)
133,100
Related Careers
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$47,450 •
-12.8% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540 •
-6.1% growth
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
$41,460 •
+3.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Chemical equipment operators and tenders
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a chemical equipment operators and tenders:
Chemical Technology/Technician
2,843 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Chemical Process Technology
74 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Chemical equipment operators and tenders
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become chemical equipment operators and tenders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical equipment operators and tenders make?
The median annual salary for chemical equipment operators and tenders is $57,090.
What education do chemical equipment operators and tenders need?
Most chemical equipment operators and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Chemical Technology/Technician, Chemical Process Technology.
Is becoming chemical equipment operators and tenders a good career choice?
Chemical equipment operators and tenders is projected to see +3.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 14,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for chemical equipment operators and tenders?
Top colleges for aspiring chemical equipment operators and tenders include
Rice University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Eastern Florida State College, University of South Alabama, Washburn University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to chemical equipment operators and tenders?
Chemical equipment operators and tenders may also be known as: Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Bleacher, Acid Cleaner, Acid Concentrator, Acid Condenser, Acid Extractor, Acid Maker, Acid Operator, Acid Patroller, Acid Polymerization Operator, Acid Purification Equipment Operator, Acid Purifier, Acid Recovery Operator, Acid Regenerator, Acid Remover, Acid Retort Operator, Acid Tender, Acid Treater, Aluminum Hydroxide Process Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.