Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Salary 2025: $58,040 Median, $101,590 in Wyoming
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $58,040, according to the latest BLS data (May 2023 release). That works out to roughly $28 per hour. The middle 80% of operators make between $37,440 and $92,250, so experience and location matter a lot.
This guide covers the real numbers for 2025: what you can expect to earn across the U.S., which states pay the most, how to enter the field, and what the job market looks like through 2034.
How much Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders earn
The national average salary for this occupation is $60,710 per year, though the median (half earn more, half less) is $58,040. Because BLS figures lag by a year or two, these are the most current official estimates for 2025 planning.
Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $37,440 annually. At the other end, top earners (90th percentile) bring home $92,250. Overtime is common in this role, which can push actual pay higher for many operators.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically changes your paycheck. Wyoming leads the nation with a mean annual wage of $101,590 — nearly double the national mean. Other high-paying states include Alabama ($80,330), Montana ($79,570), Louisiana ($78,580), and Idaho ($77,100).
At the lower end, operators in Arizona earn $45,790, Florida $44,360, and Utah $39,020. The gap between top and bottom states is more than $60,000, so relocation could be a career move.
- Highest: Wyoming $101,590, Alabama $80,330, Montana $79,570, Louisiana $78,580, Idaho $77,100
- Lowest: Arizona $45,790, Florida $44,360, Utah $39,020
How to become a Chemical Equipment Operator and Tender
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the standard path — you typically start as a helper or trainee and learn the equipment, safety procedures, and process controls over several months.
Some operators also earn a certificate or associate degree in process technology from a community college, which can help you stand out. A few states or plants require a license for certain chemicals, but the majority do not. The best way in is to apply at chemical plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities that run continuous processes.
- High school diploma is the minimum
- On-the-job training (typically several months)
- Optional: associate degree in process technology
- Apply at chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceuticals, and paper mills
Job outlook
Employment of Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders is projected to grow 3.3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 14,400 openings per year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Currently, about 139,630 people work in this occupation. Growth is steady but not explosive — automation and control systems reduce the need for new hires even as older workers retire. Job prospects will be best for those with experience or technical skills.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Chemical Equipment Operator and Tender?
Entry-level operators typically make around $37,440 per year (10th percentile), according to BLS data. Actual starting pay may be lower at smaller plants or in lower-paying states like Utah ($39,020 average).
Do Chemical Equipment Operators need a degree?
No, a high school diploma is usually sufficient. Most skills are learned through on-the-job training that lasts several months. An associate degree in process technology can improve your chances, but it is not required.
Which state pays Chemical Equipment Operators the most?
Wyoming pays the highest mean wage at $101,590 per year. Alabama, Montana, Louisiana, and Idaho also offer salaries above $77,000. The lowest-paying states are Utah ($39,020), Florida ($44,360), and Arizona ($45,790).
What is the job growth for this career?
BLS projects 3.3% growth from 2024 to 2034, about average, with roughly 14,400 openings per year. Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or switch jobs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders data.