Chemical Plant and System Operators
Occupation
$73,540
National Median Salary
$35.35
Median Hourly Wage
17,840
Total Employment
Salary Distribution
10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile
Salary Trend (2014-2024)
+31.6%
10 Year Change
$55,900
2014 Median
$73,540
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries
Industry Wage Growth
Best Paying States
Fastest Growing States
Where This Career Pays Above Average
Top Paying Industries for Chemical Plant and System Operators
| Industry | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $108,890 | 50 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $108,400 | 850 |
| Utilities | $101,880 | 60 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,060 | — |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | $79,990 | 90 |
Top Paying States for Chemical Plant and System Operators
| State | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $112,970 | 410 |
| Wyoming | $104,420 | 320 |
| Texas | $99,250 | 2,980 |
| Kentucky | $98,890 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $96,500 | 3,360 |
Related Occupations
Explore Chemical Plant and System Operators by State
Explore Chemical Plant and System Operators by Industry
See how this career performs in specific industries
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
Utilities
Oil and Gas Extraction
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing (3251, 3252, 3253, and 3259 only)
Chemical Manufacturing
Food Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Chemical Manufacturing (3255 and 3256 only)
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Scientific Research and Development Services