Chemical plant and system operators
SOC Code: 51-8091Also known as:
Ammonia Still Operator, Ammonia Technician, Badger Distiller Operator, Bucket Wash Operator, Chemical Operator
Median Annual Salary
$73,540
-6.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
18K
Current Jobs
What Chemical plant and system operators Do
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
💰 Salary
$73,540
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-6.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,100
Projected Employment (2034)
17,000
Related Careers
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
$97,540 •
-2.8% growth
Chemical equipment operators and tenders
$57,090 •
+3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
- Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
- Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
- Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
- Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
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 plant and system operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a chemical plant and system operators:
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 plant and system operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become chemical plant and system operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical plant and system operators make?
The median annual salary for chemical plant and system operators is $73,540.
What education do chemical plant and system operators need?
Most chemical plant and system operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Chemical Technology/Technician, Chemical Process Technology.
Is becoming chemical plant and system operators a good career choice?
Chemical plant and system operators is projected to see -6.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for chemical plant and system operators?
Top colleges for aspiring chemical plant and system operators 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 plant and system operators?
Chemical plant and system operators may also be known as: Ammonia Still Operator, Ammonia Technician, Badger Distiller Operator, Bucket Wash Operator, Chemical Operator, Chemical Plant Operator, Chemical Process Operator, Chemical Production Operator, Chemical Treatment Plant Technician, Denitrator, Front Wash Operator, Furnace Plant Operator, Furnace Process Plant Operator, Furnace Utility Operator, Hydrogenation Operator, Loader Technician, Naphtha Washing System Operator, Nitric Acid Plant Operator, Nitrogen Operator, Pharmaceutical Development Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.