Chemical Plant and System Operators Salary 2025: $78,120 Median, -6% Job Decline
The median annual wage for Chemical Plant and System Operators is $78,120, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $38 per hour. The middle 80 percent earn between $48,400 and $111,930. There are 16,610 operators employed nationwide, and the occupation is projected to shrink by 6.1 percent from 2024 to 2034.
How much Chemical Plant and System Operators earn
The national mean salary is $79,970 per year. At $38.44 per hour on average, these operators are well above the all-occupation median. The top 10 percent earn over $111,930, while the lowest 10 percent make less than $48,400.
Pay varies significantly by industry. Operators in petroleum and coal products manufacturing tend to earn the highest wages, while those in chemical manufacturing and basic chemical manufacturing also see strong salaries. Experience, location, and the complexity of the operation all factor into earnings.
- Median annual wage: $78,120
- Mean annual wage: $79,970
- Mean hourly wage: $38.44
- 10th percentile: $48,400
- 90th percentile: $111,930
Pay by state
Location matters a lot for this job. Florida tops the list with an average annual salary of $128,830. Wyoming follows at $107,810, then Texas at $102,750, Louisiana at $100,060, and Kentucky at $97,550. These states have a strong presence of oil refineries and chemical plants.
On the lower end, Georgia averages $49,230, Indiana $49,110, and Tennessee $45,830. Operators in these states often work in lower-paying subsectors or smaller facilities.
How to become a Chemical Plant and System Operator
Most operators start with a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training that lasts several months to a year. Some employers prefer an associate degree in process technology or a related field. Vocational schools and community colleges offer relevant programs.
Licenses and certifications are not typically required, but many operators pursue the Certified Chemical Plant Operator (CCPO) credential or similar industry certifications to advance. An operator's license may be needed for certain plant types, depending on state regulations.
- High school diploma or GED minimum
- Associate degree in process technology preferred by some employers
- On-the-job training, often 6-12 months
- Voluntary certification (e.g., CCPO) can boost advancement
- Some states require operator licensing for certain plants
Job outlook
Employment for Chemical Plant and System Operators is projected to decline by 6.1 percent from 2024 to 2034, losing about 1,000 jobs. However, around 1,600 openings are expected each year on average due to retirement and turnover. Automation and plant closures in some sectors are driving the decline, but experienced operators will still be needed to replace workers who leave.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Chemical Plant and System Operator in 2025?
The median annual wage is $78,120, with a mean of $79,970 (about $38 per hour).
How do I become a Chemical Plant and System Operator?
You typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. An associate degree in process technology can improve your chances.
Is Chemical Plant and System Operator a growing career?
No. Employment is projected to decline 6.1% from 2024 to 2034, but about 1,600 openings per year arise from retirements and turnover.
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 Plant and System Operators data.